—n.
1 a rough draft of a diagram, plan, proposal, etc.
2 a a preacutecis 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.
Phrases and idioms:
in outline sketched or represented as an outline.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.