lay figure: Meaning and Definition of

lay' fig"ure

Pronunciation: [key]
  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.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.