n. 1. A systematic plan of action: "Did you ever carry out your scheme of writing a series of sonnets embodying all the great epochs of art?" (Edith Wharton). See Synonyms at plan. 2. A secret or devious plan; a plot: a scheme to defraud investors. 3. An orderly plan or arrangement of related parts: an irrigation scheme with dams, reservoirs, and channels. 4. A chart, diagram, or outline of a system or object. v. schemed, schem·ing, schemes v.tr. To contrive a plan or scheme for; plot: scheming their revenge. v.intr. To make plans, especially secret or devious ones. schemer n. |
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