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