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.
[ 1785-95; lay, extracted from obs. layman leeman, var. of ledenman, equiv. to leden- (combining form of lid limb, c. OE, ME lith ) + man MAN 1 ) ]