The subject of a book, speech, etc.; a theme, a topic, a subject of exposition. In early use also: a narrative, an account, a tale. Obsolete.

The subject under discussion; a topic, a theme. Obsolete.

= content, n.1 2 3.

spec. (plural) The things contained or treated of in a writing or document; the various subdivisions of its subject matter. Formerly also in singular.

The theme or subject of a declamation or discourse; a position to be maintained or demonstrated; a thesis. Obsolete.

The theme or topic of a sermon or similar discourse. Obsolete.

The subject or theme of a written or spoken composition; a topic; = matter, n.1 8. Now chiefly merged in sense 4a.

figurative. The theme or subject on which any one speaks; the starting-point of a discussion; a statement on which any one dilates.

Any figurative ‘thread’. the thread of a discourse, of thought, of history, tendency, etc.