effigy etymology

Etymology

The word "effigy" comes from the Latin word effigies, meaning "likeness, image, or representation." It is ultimately derived from the verb effingo, meaning "to form, mold, or shape."

Meaning

An effigy is a representation of a person, animal, or object, usually made from a material such as paper, cloth, wood, or wax. It is often used for symbolic or ceremonial purposes, such as:

  • Political protest: Effigies of politicians or other public figures may be burned or destroyed as a form of protest against their actions or policies.
  • Religious ceremonies: Effigies may be used in religious rituals to represent deities, saints, or ancestors.
  • Funeral rites: Effigies may be placed on graves or in coffins to symbolize the deceased person.
  • Scarecrows: Effigies of humans or animals may be used in agriculture to scare away birds or other pests.

Origin

The use of effigies has a long history in human culture. They have been found in archaeological sites dating back to ancient times. Effigies have been used in various cultures around the world for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Ancient Egypt: Effigies of the dead were often placed in tombs to protect the deceased in the afterlife.
  • Greek and Roman religions: Effigies of gods and goddesses were used in temples and other religious places.
  • Medieval Europe: Effigies of saints and martyrs were used in churches and for devotional purposes.
  • Renaissance and Baroque periods: Effigies of rulers and other important figures were often used in public spaces and monuments.
  • Modern times: Effigies continue to be used in political protests, religious ceremonies, and other cultural practices.

effigy relate terms

  • configure

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  • disfigure

    Etymology From Middle English disfigure from Anglo Norman French desfigurer from Late

  • dough

    Etymology The word dough comes from the Middle English word dowgh which is derived

  • effigy

    Etymology The word effigy comes from the Latin word effigies meaning likeness image

  • faint

    Etymology Middle English feynt from Old French feint from Vulgar Latin fincta make

  • feign

    Etymology The word feign ultimately derives from the Latin word fingere meaning to

  • feint

    Etymology Old English fent a trick or stratagem Middle English feinte pretense d

  • fictile

    Etymology Fictile adjective From Latin fictilis meaning made of clay Fictitious

  • fiction

    Etymology The word fiction derives from the Latin word fictio which means somethin

  • fictitious

    Fictitious etymology is a false or invented explanation of the origin of a word It is oft

  • figment

    Etymology Figment derives from Latin figmentum meaning something invented or feigned

  • figure

    Etymology The word figure comes from the Latin word figura which means shape for

  • figurine

    Etymology The word figurine comes from the French word figurine which is a diminutiv

  • lady

    Etymology The word lady has its origins in the Old English word hlǣfdige which mea

  • paradise

    Etymology The word paradise comes from the Old Persian word pairidaēza which means

  • prefigure

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense go before in time exist beforehand

  • thixotropy

    Etymology The term thixotropy is derived from the Greek words thixis θίξις

  • transfigure

    Etymology Latin transfigurare trans across figurare to form shape Meanin

  • image

    Etymology The word image comes from the Latin word imago which in turn comes from th

  • simulacrum

    Etymology Latin simulacrum meaning likeness image representation From simulare

  • ducat

    Etymology Ducat stems from the Medieval Latin word ducatus which itself derives from t

  • stake

    Etymology The word stake has multiple origins Old English staca meaning a pole o

  • scarecrow

    Etymology and Meaning The word scarecrow is derived from two Old English words sca

  • idol

    Etymology The word idol originates from the Greek word eidōlon meaning image or