Imagery

Origins

Anglo-Norman ymagerye, Anglo-Norman and Middle French imagerie, ymagerie (French imagerie) work (in solid or flat form) representing objects (late 12th cent. in Anglo-Norman), figured work on a textile fabric, embroidery (14th cent.), making or creation of images (statuary, carving, etc.) (1478) < image IMAGE n. + -erie -ERY suffix.]

Definitions

• 1. a. Work representing objects, either in solid form, as statuary, carving, etc., or (less commonly) in a flat form or on surfaces, as painting, glasswork, etc.; figurative ornamentation. Formerly also in pl.: examples of this (obs.).

b. spec. Figured work on a textile fabric, as in tapestry; embroidery. Obs.

c. Visible images formed from invisible radiation by means of radar, ultrasound, X-rays, or other technique, typically for a purpose such as research, medical diagnosis or reconnaissance. Also: images formed from visible light by means of a camera.

• 2. The use of images in worship; idolatry. Obs.
• 3. The making or creation of images; the art of statuary,carving, or (less commonly) painting. Now also: the creation of photographic images.
• 4. a. The use of rhetorical images, or such images collectively; descriptive representation of ideas; figurative illustration, esp. of an ornate character.

b. In the visual arts, esp. film: the representation of ideas with images; visual metaphor, symbolism.

• 5. a. The way in which a thing is represented visually or fashioned; workmanship, make, figure, form. Obs.

b. A material representation or embodiment of something. Obs.

c. An imaging, portrayal, or visible presentation of anything. Obs. rare.

• 6. a. The formation of mental images; imagination, fancy, groundless belief. Obs.

b. Now chiefly Psychol. Mental images collectively or generally.

• 7. The pictorial elements of a natural scene or landscape; scenery.