Prefigurement

pre·fig·ure  (pr-fgyr)

tr.v. pre·fig·ured, pre·fig·ur·ing, pre·fig·ures

1. To suggest, indicate, or represent by an antecedent form or model; presage or foreshadow: The paintings of Paul Cézanne prefigured the rise of cubism in the early 20th century.

2. To imagine or picture to oneself in advance.

---

[Middle English prefiguren, from Old French prefigurer, from Late Latin praefigrre : Latin prae-, pre- + Latin figrre, to shape (from figra, shape; see dheigh- in Indo-European roots).]

---

pre·figur·a·tive (-fgyr--tv) adj.

pre·figur·a·tive·ly adv.

pre·figure·ment n.