Mod"el, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Modeled (?) or Modelled; p. pr. &
vb. n. Modeling or Modelling.] [Cf. F.
modeler, It. modellare.] To plan or form after a
pattern; to form in model; to form a model or pattern for; to shape;
to mold; to fashion; as, to model a house or a government; to
model an edifice according to the plan delineated.
Mod"el (?), n. [F.
modèle, It. modello, fr. (assumed) L.
modellus, fr. modulus a small measure, dim. of
modus. See Mode, and cf. Module.]
1. A miniature representation of a thing, with
the several parts in due proportion; sometimes, a facsimile of the
same size.
In charts, in maps, and eke in models
made.
Gascoigne.
I had my father's signet in my purse,
Which was the model of that Danish seal.
Shak.
You have the models of several ancient temples,
though the temples and the gods are perished.
Addison.
2. Something intended to serve, or that may
serve, as a pattern of something to be made; a material
representation or embodiment of an ideal; sometimes, a drawing; a
plan; as, the clay model of a sculpture; the inventor's
model of a machine.
[The application for a patent] must be accompanied by
a full description of the invention, with drawings and a model
where the case admits of it.
Am. Cyc.
When we mean to build
We first survey the plot, then draw the model.
Shak.
3. Anything which serves, or may serve, as an
example for imitation; as, a government formed on the model of
the American constitution; a model of eloquence, virtue, or
behavior.
4. That by which a thing is to be measured;
standard.
He that despairs measures Providence by his own
little, contracted model.
South.
5. Any copy, or resemblance, more or less
exact.
Thou seest thy wretched brother die,
Who was the model of thy father's life.
Shak.
6. A person who poses as a pattern to an
artist.
A professional model.
H.
James.
Working model, a model of a machine which
can do on a small scale the work which the machine itself does, or is
expected to do.
Mod"el, v. i. (Fine Arts)
To make a copy or a pattern; to design or imitate forms; as, to
model in wax.
Mod"el (?), a. Suitable to be
taken as a model or pattern; as, a model house; a model
husband.