Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-SIGN', n. [Fr. dessein.]

1. A plan or representation of a thing by an outline; sketch; general view; first idea represented by visible lines; as in painting or architecture.
2. A scheme or plan in the mind. A wise man is distinguished by the judiciousness of his designs.
3. Purpose; intention; aim; implying a scheme or plan in the mind. It is my design to educate my son for the bar.
4. The idea or scheme intended to be expressed by an artist; as, the designs of medals. – Addison.
5. In manufactories, the figures with which workmen enrich their stuffs, copied from painting or draughts. – Encyc.
6. In music, the invention and conduct of the subject; the disposition of every part, and the general order of the whole. – Rousseau.