OUTLINE

The line which marks the outer limits of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour.

In art: A line drawn by pencil, pen, graver, or the like, by which the boundary of a figure is indicated.

A sketch composed of such lines; the delineation of a figure without shading. Painters, by their outlines, colors, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures. Dryden.

Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech. But that larger grief . . . Is given in outline and no more. Tennyson.

To draw the outline of.

Fig.: To sketch out or indicate as by an outline; as, to outline an argument or a campaign.