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.
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My theme is alway one and ever was. Chaucer.
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And when a soldier was the theme, my name
Was not far off. Shak.
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2. Discourse on a certain subject.
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Then ran repentance and rehearsed his theme. Piers Plowman.
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It was the subject of my theme. Shak.
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3. A composition or essay required of a pupil. Locke.
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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.
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5. That by means of which a thing is done; means; instrument. [Obs.] Swift.
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6. (Mus.) The leading subject of a composition or a movement.
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