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| n. pl. dum·mies 1. An imitation of a real or original object, intended to be used as a practical substitute. 2. a. A mannequin used in displaying clothes. b. A figure of a person or an animal manipulated by a ventriloquist. c. A stuffed or pasteboard figure used as a target. d. Football A heavy stuffed cylindrical bag used for blocking and tackling practice. 3. A stupid person; a dolt. 4. A silent or taciturn person. 5. a. Law A person or entity that is the named party to a transaction but that acts on behalf of another concealed person or entity. Also called nominee, straw person. b. A person or an agency secretly in the service of another. 6. Printing a. One of a set of model pages with text and illustrations pasted into place to direct the printer. Also called dummy page. b. A set of bound blank pages used as a model to show the size and general appearance of a book being published. 7. Games a. The partner in bridge who exposes their hand to be played by the declarer. b. The hand thus exposed. 8. Computers A character or other piece of information entered into a computer only to meet prescribed conditions, such as word length, and having no effect on operations. adj. 1. Simulating or replacing something but lacking its function: a dummy pocket; a dummy medication in a study. 2. Serving as a front or cover for another: a dummy corporation. 3. Games Played with a dummy. 4. Computers Entered or provided only to meet prescribed conditions: a dummy variable. tr.v. dum·mied, dum·my·ing, dum·mies Phrasal Verb: Printing To make a model of (a publication or page). dummy upSlang To keep silent; give no information. [From DUMB.] |
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