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lay figure

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.


lay figure

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of lay figure1

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 )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of lay figure1

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

The moment a girl marries in New England she is apt to become a drudge, or a lay figure on which to exhibit the latest fashions.

It really was an artistic pleasure to deal with such beautiful hair, and such a lovely lay figure as Esther's.

They are married, absolutely married; my par and that painted lay figure you introduced to him, that Mrs. Harrington.

The mere mention of the rival's name sufficed to reduce Lilly to the position of nothing but a lay figure.

Olive, humbled and disconsolate, prepared for her voluntary duty as Vanbrugh's lay-figure.

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