lay figure

noun
UK: /ˈleɪ ˌfɪɡər/
US: /ˈleɪ ˌfɪɡjər/

  1. A jointed model of a human body, used by artists, especially for draping it with textiles.

    1. The lay figure helped the artist practice drawing folds in fabric.
    2. The artist used a lay figure to properly arrange the costume for the historical painting.

  2. A person who is easily influenced or controlled by others; someone lacking originality or independence.

    1. He was just a lay figure, agreeing with everything his boss said.
    2. The committee feared the new member would become a lay figure, simply echoing the chairman's opinions.

Synonyms

dummy manikin puppet tool

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "lay figure" in English means: A jointed model of a human body, used by artists, especially for draping it with textiles., A person who is easily influenced or controlled by others; someone lacking originality or independence..

The phonetic transcription of "lay figure" is /ˈleɪ ˌfɪɡər/ in British English and /ˈleɪ ˌfɪɡjər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "lay figure": dummy, manikin, puppet, tool.

Example usage of "lay figure": "The lay figure helped the artist practice drawing folds in fabric.". More examples on the page.