[f. FIG v.4 2.
It has been asserted that in fashion prints ‘Full fig.’ (abbreviation for figure) and ‘Demi-fig.’ were formerly used for front and back or side views of the figure; but we have failed to find confirmation of the statement.]
1. Dress, equipment, only in phr. in full fig.
1841. T. E. Hook, Fathers & Sons, xxi. The colonel was in one of his happiest humours, seated in his dressing-room, in full fig for the ceremony, attended only by his excellent butler.
1839. De Quincey, Casuistry Rom. Meals, Wks. III. 269. Cæsar … became a commander-in-cheif amongst a council of his staff, all belted and plumed, and in full military fig.
1866. Motley, Corr., 14 Aug., II. 247. The King of Hanover wished to see our dear diplomatic body. So we all turned out in full fig the other day.
2. Condition, form.
1883. J. W. Sherer, At Home and in India, 203. Lord Alaric was in great fig.
Mod. The horse was in good fig for the race.
