figurative counterpoint

Figurative \Fig"ur*a*tive\, a. [L. figurativus: cf. F.
   figuratif. See {Figurative}.]
   1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical;
      representative.
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            This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by
            God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the
            true glory of a more divine sanctity. --Hooker.
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   2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not
      literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
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   3. Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a
      highly figurative description.
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   4. Relating to the representation of form or figure by
      drawing, carving, etc. See {Figure}, n., 2.
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            They belonged to a nation dedicated to the
            figurative arts, and they wrote for a public
            familiar with painted form.           --J. A.
                                                  Symonds.
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   {Figurative counterpoint} or {Figurative descant}. See under
      {Figurate}. -- {Fig"ur*a*tive*ly}, adv. --
      {Fig"ur*a*tive*ness}, n.
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