Definition of effigy

The word "effigy" comes from the Old French word "efigie," which in turn derived from the Latin word "effigies," meaning "likeness" or "image." In medieval Europe, an "effigy" referred to a carved figure placed on a tombstone or tomb, typically made of stone or wood, and often depicted the deceased person in religious dress. These effigies served as a lasting memorial and as a reminder of the person's earthly presence. The use of the term "effigy" has since expanded to include any representation, whether sculptural, pictorial, or symbolic, that is used to honor, commemorate, or condemn someone or something. Today, "effigy" is commonly used to describe ceremonial figurines, such as those burned during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations, or to denote a voting process that involves hanging or casting effigies as part of a political protest. In summary, the word "effigy" originated in medieval times and was derived from the Latin word "effigies," meaning "likeness" or "image," and has since evolved to convey a range of figurative senses beyond its original meaning in tombstone sculpture.