figuration (figurashon)

[OF. figuration, figuracion, F. figuration = Pr. figuracio = Pg. figuração It. figurazione, IMG:content-1295.png:[blocks in formation] In the form, I will first consider the general figuration , and then the several members. Sir H. Wotton , Reliquiæ, p. 14. Nor is it only the external figuration of these gems, but the internal texture, which favours our hypothesis. Boyle, Origin and Virtues of Gems, § 1. 2. The act or proce of figuring; a shaping into form, or a marking or impre ing with a figure or figures. The figuration of materials by abrasion. Byrne, Artisan's Handbook, p. 70. 3. In music: (a) In strict composition, such as fugue-writing, the introduction of pa ing-notes into the counterpoint. ( b ) In general composition, the proce , act, or result of rhythmically, melodically, or contrapuntally varying or elaborating a theme by adding pa ing-notes or accompaniment figures, or even by transforming single tones into florid pa ages. (c) The preparation of a figured ba (which see, under ba 3 ).-4. In philol., change in the form of words without change of sense. - 5t. Figurative representation; prefiguration. Figurations of our Lord's pa ion and sacrifice. Water land, Works, VIII. 333. figurative (fig'u-rā-tiv), a. [= OF. figuratif , F. figuratif = Pr. figuratiu = Sp. Pg. It. figurativo , LL. figurativus , figurative (of speech), figuratus , pp. of figurare , form, fashion, imagine, fancy, adorn with figures of speech, figu ra , a figure: see figure .] 1. Representing by means of a figure; manifesting or suggesting by resemblance; typical; emblematic. This, they will say, was figurative , and served by God's appointment but for a time, to shadow out the true ever lasting glory of a more divine sanctity. Hooker , Eccles. Polity. In spite of its symbolism, what he wrought was never mechanically figurative , but gifted with the independence of its own beauty, vital with an inbreathed spirit of life. J. A. Symonds, Italy and Greece, p. 252. 2. Of the nature of or involving a figure of rhetoric; used in a metaphorical or tropical sense; metaphorical; not literal. What have become with us figurative expre ions remain with men in lower states literal descriptions. H. Spencer , Prin. of Sociol., § 79. 3. Abounding with figures of speech; ornate; flowery; florid: as, a description highly figura tire . The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: Dictionary figurative Which thing made the graue iudges Areopagites (as I find written) to forbid all manner of figurative speaches to be vsed before them in their consistorie of Iustice.