Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Figurant \Fig"u*rant`\ (? or ?), n. masc. [F., prop. p. pr. of
   figurer figure, represent, make a figure.]
   One who dances at the opera, not singly, but in groups or
   figures; an accessory character on the stage, who figures in
   its scenes, but has nothing to say; hence, one who figures in
   any scene, without taking a prominent part.