lay figure

• Mannequin articulé en bois ou en plastique représentant le corps humain, utilisé par les artistes pour étudier les poses et les drapés ; s'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour désigner une personne sans volonté propre, simple marionnette ou prête-nom.

A jointed wooden or plastic model of the human body, used by artists to study poses and drapery; also used figuratively to describe a person who is a mere puppet or lacks independent will.

1. Artist's mannequinC2formal

   A jointed wooden or wax figure used by artists to model the human form, especially for drapery or poses.

   mannequin d’artiste

   • The painter used a lay figure to study the folds of the fabric.
   • In the studio, a lay figure stood in the corner draped in cloth.
   • Art students often practice with a lay figure before drawing live models.

2. Unrealistic or passive personC2formalbritish

   A person who is easily manipulated or lacks independent will; a puppet.

   Personne sans volonté propre, pantin

   • The manager was just a lay figure for the board of directors.
   • He felt like a lay figure in the political drama, with no real power.
   • She refused to be a lay figure in her own life.