Obs. rare–1. [a. G. statist, app. f. L. stat-us standing (see STATE sb.) + -IST.] A supernumerary actor on the stage who simply poses or stands by.
1807. Goede’s Trav. Eng., 264. The theatre at Paris possesses a far greater number of excellent dancers of both sexes than that of London; and its statists and figurants are comparatively more skilful than on the latter.
