lay figure

American  

noun

1. a jointed model of the human body, usually of wood, from which artists work in the absence of a living model.

2. a similar figure used in shops to display costumes.

3. a person of no importance, individuality, distinction, etc.; nonentity.

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lay figure British  

noun

1. an artist's jointed dummy, used in place of a live model, esp for studying effects of drapery

2. a person considered to be subservient or unimportant

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Etymology

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 man )

Example Sentences

M'Caskey, fortunately, is a fine lay figure for such humbug, and being already in part known through 'Tony Butler,' needs no introduction.

From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Downey, Edmund

Dress him up as a lord in waiting, he'll be a dainty lay figure, but for anything more he's not as fit as this setter!

From Beatrice Boville and Other Stories by Ouida

Hers was not the disposition to act the r�le of a lay figure, it will be easily imagined.

From The Last of the Vikings by Bowling, John

Matilda's character is drawn well at the start; in the latter part she rather tends to become a lay figure.

From Philip Massinger by Cruickshank, A. H.

The statue is darkened, and the lay figure of the statue is replaced by the living Jeanne.

From One-Act Plays By Modern Authors by Various