n. 1. (a) The line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour. (b) In art: A line drawn by pencil, pen, graver, or the like, by which the boundary of a figure is indicated. (c) A sketch composed of such lines; the delineation of a figure without shading. [ 1913 Webster ]
Painters, by their outlines, colors, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, discourse, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech. [ 1913 Webster ]
But that larger grief . . .
Is given in outline and no more. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Sketch; draught; delineation. See Sketch. [ 1913 Webster ]