mannequin

Definition

A dummy, or life-size model of the human body, used for the fitting or displaying of clothes.

Etymology

Borrowed from French mannequin, derived from Old French [Term?] (“little man, figurine”), derived from Middle Dutch mannekijn (“little man”) (see English manikin), diminutive of man (“man”). By surface analysis, man + -kin. Compare ramequin/ramekin. Doublet of manakin and manikin.

Example Sentences

• "At the same time, Mr. Bolton was intrigued by Mr. Sundsbo’s proposal to make models look like mannequins because it spoke to the blurring of boundaries — between good and evil, angels and demons, nature and technology, permanence and decay — that was a consistent theme of the McQueen collections."
• "There was a time when a mannequin was the sculptural equivalent of fashion model. Like a fashion model, the mannequin was intended to reflect our social, professional and aesthetic aspirations."
• "With the idea that guests may feel lonely eating at a restaurant that can only reach 50% capacity[…]the restaurant will be placing mannequins throughout its dining rooms."