Word Study
figurant
CIDE DICTIONARY
figurant, n. masc. [F., prop. p. pr. of figurer figure, represent, make a figure.].
One who dances at the opera, not singly, but in groups or figures; an accessory character on the stage, who figures in its scenes, but has nothing to say; hence, one who figures in any scene, without taking a prominent part. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
figurant, n. (fem. figurante pronunc. same) a ballet-dancer appearing only in a group.
Etymology
F, pres. part. of figurer FIGURE
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