[ ˌsɪlʊ'ɛt ]
■ noun
1》 the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible in restricted light against a brighter background.
2》 a representation of someone or something showing the shape and outline only, typically coloured in solid black.
■ verb cast or show as a ~: the castle was ~d against the sky.
Origin
C18: named (although the reason remains obscure) after the French author and politician Étienne de Silhouette .