lay figure


noun

a jointed model of the human body, usually of wood, from which artists work in the absence of a living model.
a similar figure used in shops to display costumes.
a person of no importance, individuality, distinction, etc.; nonentity.

Origin of lay figure

1785–95; lay, extracted from obsolete layman < Dutch leeman, variant of ledenman, equivalent to leden- (combining form of lid limb, cognate with Old English, Middle English lith) + man man1)

Example sentences from the Web for lay figure

British Dictionary definitions for lay figure

lay figure

noun

an artist's jointed dummy, used in place of a live model, esp for studying effects of drapery
a person considered to be subservient or unimportant

Word Origin for lay figure

C18: from obsolete layman, from Dutch leeman, literally: joint-man