Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MOD'EL, a. [mod'l; Fr. modelle; L. modulus, from modus.]

1. A pattern of something to be made; any thing of a particular form, shape or construction, intended for imitation; primarily, a small pattern; a form in miniature of something to be made on a larger scale; as, the model of a building; the model of a fort.
2. A mold; something intended to give shape to castings. Shak.
3. Pattern; example; as, to form a government on the model of the British or American constitution.
4. Standard; that by which a thing is to be measured. He that despairs, measures Providence by his own contracted model. South.
5. In painting and sculpture, that which is to be copied or imitated; as the naked human form.
6. A pattern; any thing to be imitated. Take Cicero, Lord Chatham or Burke, as a model of eloquence; take Washington as a model of prudence, integrity and patriotism; above all, let Christ be the model of our benevolence, humility, obedience and patience.
7. A copy; representation; something made in imitation of real life; as, anatomical models, representing the parts of the body. General Puffer constructed a model of the mountainous parts of Switzerland.