theme

n. [ OE. teme, OF. teme, F. thème, L. thema, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to set, place. See Do, and cf. Thesis. ] 1. A subject or topic on which a person writes or speaks; a proposition for discussion or argument; a text. [ 1913 Webster ]

My theme is alway one and ever was. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

And when a soldier was the theme, my name
Was not far off. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Discourse on a certain subject. [ 1913 Webster ]

Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme. Piers Plowman. [ 1913 Webster ]

It was the subject of my theme. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A composition or essay required of a pupil. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Gram.) A noun or verb, not modified by inflections; also, that part of a noun or verb which remains unchanged (except by euphonic variations) in declension or conjugation; stem. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. That by means of which a thing is done; means; instrument. [ Obs. ] Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Mus.) The leading subject of a composition or a movement. [ 1913 Webster ]