Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
SCHEME
I. noun
Etymology: Latin schemat-, schema arrangement, figure, from Greek schēmat-, schēma, from echein to have, hold, be in (such) a condition; akin to Old English sige victory, Sanskrit sahate he prevails
Date: circa 1595
1. a. archaic a mathematical or astronomical diagram, a representation of the astrological aspects of the planets at a particular time, a graphic sketch or outline, a concise statement or table ; epitome , a plan or program of action, a systematic or organized configuration ; design , see: plan
II. verb (schemed; scheming)
Date: 1749
transitive verb to form a scheme for, intransitive verb to form plans, schemer noun