ˈautlaɪn n. & v. --n. 1 a
rough draft of a
diagram,
plan,
proposal, etc. 2 a a
pr÷cis of a proposed novel,
article, etc. b a
verbal description of
essential parts
only; a
summary. 3 a
sketch containing only
contour lines. 4 (in
sing. or pl.) a lines enclosing or indicating an
object (the outline of a
shape under the blankets). b a contour. c an
external boundary. 5 (in pl.) the main features or
general principles (the outlines of a plan). 6 the
representation of a
word in
shorthand. --v.tr. 1
draw or
describe in outline. 2 mark the outline
of. øin outline sketched or represented as an outline.