lay figure(n = noun.artifact) - dummy in the form of an artist's jointed model of the human body;
is a kind of dummy

lay figure, n.
1 a dummy or jointed figure of a human body used by artists for arranging drapery on etc.
2 an unrealistic character in a novel etc.
3 a person lacking in individuality.

Etymology:
lay f. obs. layman f. Du. leeman f. obs. led joint

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