Part 136

Fig"ure, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Figured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Figuring.] [F. figurer, L. figurare, fr. figura. See Figure, n.] 1. To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.

If love, alas! be pain I bear,

No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.

2. To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.

The vaulty top of heaven Figured quite o'er with burning meteors.

Shak.

3. To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.

As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.

Dryden.

4. To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.

Whose white vestments figure innocence.

Shak.

5. To prefigure; to foreshow.

In this the heaven figures some event.

Shak.

6. (Mus.) (a) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords. (b) To embellish.

To figure out, to solve; to compute or find the result of. -- To figure up, to add; to reckon; to compute the amount of.

Fig"ure, v. i. 1. To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.

Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.

M. Arnold.

2. To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination. [Colloq.]

Fig"ured (?), a. 1. Adorned with figures; marked with figures; as, figured muslin.

2. Not literal; figurative. [Obs.] Locke.

3. (Mus.) (a) Free and florid; as, a figured descant. See Figurate, 3. (b) Indicated or noted by figures.

Figured bass. See Continued bass, under Continued.

Fig"ure*head` (?), n. 1. (Naut.) The figure, statue, or bust, on the prow of a ship.

2. A person who allows his name to be used to give standing to enterprises in which he has no responsible interest or duties; a nominal, but not real, head or chief.

Fi*gu"ri*al (?), a. Represented by figure or delineation. [R.] Craig.