Obs. [a. Du. leeman, for *ledenman, f. led ‘membrum, articulus’ (Kilian), now lid limb, joint + man MAN sb.1 Cf. G. gliedermann.] = LAY-FIGURE.
1688. H. Testling, Sentiments Painters, 5th Table, Rather make use of Models of Wax, than a Layman of Wood.
1706. Art of Painting (1744), 31. The Painter ought to avoid all manner of stiffness and hardness in his folds, and be careful that they don’t smell of the lay-man, as we commonly say.
1762. H. Walpole, Catal. Engravers (1765), 22. Crispin Pass … describes the use of the maneken or layman for disposing draperies.
1796. Charlotte Smith, Marchmont, I. 141. She seemed as if her shape had been imagined by some joiner … on purpose to serve as a layman for the clothes she wore.
