waxworks

[ waks-wurks ]

/ ˈwæksˌwɜrks /

an exhibition of or a museum for displaying wax figures, ornaments, etc.

Origin of waxworks

1690–1700; wax¹ + works

waxwork

[ waks-wurk ]

/ ˈwæksˌwɜrk /

a figure, ornament, or other object made of wax, or especially the life-size effigy of a person.

the bittersweet, Celastrus scandens.

First recorded in 1690–1700; wax¹ + work

wax·work·er, noun

The effigy is of painted wood and is amazingly lifelike, though smacking decidedly of the figures in a waxworks exhibition.

The Cathedrals and Churches of the Rhine |Francis Miltoun
In another day most of them would have been candidates for a waxworks or the formaldehyde of a specimen bottle.

Accidental Flight |Floyd L. Wallace
In the autumn of last year I was taken to see some waxworks.

The Legacy of Cain |Wilkie Collins
Easton suggested that a special saloon carriage might be engaged, and they could go and visit Madame Tussaud's Waxworks.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists |Robert Tressell

So Cooper Union provided a museum of waxworks and many strange, natural-history specimens.

Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 11 (of 14) |Elbert Hubbard

waxwork

/ (ˈwæksˌwɜːk) /

an object reproduced in wax, esp as an ornament

a life-size lifelike figure, esp of a famous person, reproduced in wax

(plural; functioning as singular or plural) a museum or exhibition of wax figures or objects

waxworker, noun