To fig out, verb. phr. (colloquial).—To show off; to dress; to don
one’s war paint (q.v.). [From the verb.]
1825. The English Spy, vol. 1, p. 177. Eglantine (to the ostler).
Well, Dick, what sort of a stud, hey? Come, fig out two lively
ones.
1884. W. C. Russell, Jack’s Courtship, ch. vi. He began to inveigh
against the waiter’s costume, as he styled the dress I had figged
myself out in.
To fig up, verb. phr. (colloquial).—To restore; to reanimate (as a
gingered horse).
1819. T. Moore, Tom Crib’s Memorial, p. 24. In vain did they try to
fig up the old lad, ’Twas like using persuaders upon a dead prad.