fig leaf — 1. The leaf from a fig tree. [PJC] 2. An ornamental design shaped like the leaf of a fig tree, used in architecture; also, a design shaped like a fig leaf to cover genitalia in sculpture or paintings in reference to the biblical story in Genesis… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
fig leaf — fig leaves 1) N COUNT A fig leaf is a large leaf which comes from the fig tree. A fig leaf is sometimes used in painting and sculpture to cover the genitals of a naked body. 2) N COUNT: usu with supp (disapproval) People sometimes refer… … English dictionary
fig leaf — ► NOUN ▪ a leaf of a fig tree used to conceal the genitals in paintings and sculpture. ORIGIN with reference to the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible, who made clothes out of fig leaves after becoming aware of their nakedness … English terms dictionary
Fig leaf — A fig leaf is the covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or disagreeable. The term is a metaphorical reference to the Biblical Book of Genesis, in which Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover their nakedness after eating the fruit … Wikipedia
fig leaf — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms fig leaf : singular fig leaf plural fig leaves 1) a leaf from a fig tree. You often see a fig leaf covering the sex organs of people in paintings. 2) something that hides another thing that is considered… … English dictionary
fig leaf — 1. the leaf of a fig tree. 2. a representation of a fig leaf, used as an ornament in architecture, as a cover for the genitalia on a statue or in a painting, etc. 3. something intended to conceal what may be considered indecorous or indecent: to… … Universalium
fig leaf — noun a) A leaf of the fig plant. b) A representation of leaf of a fig plant used to cover the genitals of a nude figure in a work of art (alluding to Genesis iii 7, in which Adam and Eve use fig leaves to hide their nakedness) … Wiktionary
fig leaf — noun Date: 14th century 1. the leaf of a fig tree 2. [from the use by Adam and Eve of fig leaves to cover their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:7)] something that conceals or camouflages usually inadequately or dishonestly … New Collegiate Dictionary
fig leaf — A stylized representation of a leaf from a fig tree or shrub used especially to conceal the genitalia depicted on sculptures of male nudes. Although fig leaves were originally deployed as a censoring gesture in favor of modesty, increasingly… … Glossary of Art Terms
FIG — (Heb. תְּאֵנָה, te enah), one of the seven species with which Ereẓ Israel was blessed (Deut. 8:8). It is mentioned in the Bible 16 times together with the vine as the most important of the country s fruit. The saying every man under his vine and… … Encyclopedia of Judaism
