outline

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 ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Outlined p. pr. & vb. n. Outlining. ] 1. To draw the outline of. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: To sketch out or indicate as by an outline; to create a general framework of (a plan, system, discourse, course of thought), for which the details need to be added; as, to outline an argument or a campaign. [ 1913 Webster ]