(a) The subject of written or spoken discourse, the topic; esp. the theme of a sermon (usu. a quotation from the Bible or other moral authority, which begins the sermon and serves as its theme); temes of texte, subject matter; leien in ~, to use (sth.) as the theme (in a text); seien this ~, speak (to sb.) on this subject; taken for ~, use (sth.) as the theme; taken in (to) ~, taken the ~, use the theme; (b) a written composition; (c) pl. orders, instructions.