from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Figure \Fig"ure\, v. i.
1. To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as,
the envoy figured at court.
[1913 Webster]
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring
away brilliantly. --M. Arnold.
[1913 Webster]
2. To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring
to secure the nomination. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
{go figure} a phrase used by itself as an interjection to
mean "How can one explain that?", or to express puzzlement
over some seeming contradiction. [Colloq.]
[PJC]