plæn n. & v. --n. 1 a a formulated
and esp. detailed
method by
which a
thing is to be
done; a
design or
scheme. b an
intention or proposed
proceeding (my plan
was to
distract them; plan of campaign). 2 a
drawing or
diagram made by
projection on a
horizontal plane, esp.
showing a
building or
one floor of a building (cf. ELEVATION). 3 a large-scale detailed
map of a
town or
district. 4 a a
table etc. indicating times, places, etc. of
intended proceedings. b a scheme or
arrangement (prepared
the seating plan). 5 an
imaginary plane
perpendicular to the line of
vision and containing the objects
shown in a
picture. --v. (planned, planning) 1 tr. (often foll. by
that +
clause or to + infin.)
arrange (a
procedure etc.)
beforehand;
form a plan (planned to
catch the
evening ferry). 2 tr. a design (a building,
new town, etc.). b
make a plan of (an existing building, an
area, etc.). 3 tr. (as planned adj.) in
accordance with a plan (his planned
arrival; planned parenthood). 4 intr. make plans. øplanning
permission Brit.
formal permission
for building
development etc., esp.
from a
local authority. plan on colloq.
aim at
doing;
intend. øøplanning n. [F f. earlier
plant, f.
It. pianta plan of building:
cf. PLANT]
