lay figure

noun

1. a jointed model of the human body, usually of wood, from which artists work in the absence of a living model.
2. a similar figure used in shops to display costumes.
3. a person of no importance, individuality, distinction, etc.; nonentity.

noun

1. an artist’s jointed dummy, used in place of a live model, esp for studying effects of drapery
2. a person considered to be subservient or unimportant