Dream (drēm), n. [Akin to OS. drōm, D. droom, G. traum, Icel. draumr, Dan. & Sw. dröm; cf. G. trügen to deceive, Skr. druh to harm, hurt, try to hurt. AS. dreám joy, gladness, and OS. drōm joy are, perh., different words; cf. Gr. θρυ̑λοσ noise.] 1. The thoughts, or series of thoughts, or imaginary transactions, which occupy the mind during sleep; a sleeping vision.
Dreams are but interludes which fancy makes. Dryden.
I had a dream which was not all a dream. Byron.
2. A visionary scheme; a wild conceit; an idle fancy; a vagary; a revery; — in this sense, applied to an imaginary or anticipated state of happiness; as, a dream of bliss; the dream of his youth.
There sober thought pursued the amusing theme,
Till Fancy colored it and formed a dream. Pope.
It is not them a mere dream, but a very real aim which they propose. J. C. Shairp.