figurative

FIG'URATIVE, a.

1. Representing something else; representing by resemblance; typical.

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.

2. Representing by resemblance; not literal or direct. A figurative expression, is one in which the words are used in a sense different from that in which they are ordinarily used as,

Slander, whose edge is sharper than the sword.

3. Abounding with figures of speech; as a description highly figurative.