Out"line` (?), 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.

Painters, by their outlines, colors, lights, and shadows, represent the same in their pictures.

2. 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.

Syn. -- Sketch; draught; delineation. See Sketch.

Out"line`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Outlined (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Outlining.] 1. To draw the outline of.

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

• A line marking the boundary of an object figure
  
• The shape of an object or figure
  
• A sketch or drawing in which objects are delineated in contours without shading
  
• A general description of some subject
  
• A statement summarizing the important points of a text
  
• A preliminary plan of a project
  
• (film industry) a prose telling of a story intended to be turned into a screenplay; generally longer and more detailed than a treatment.
  
• To draw an outline of something
  
• To summarize something