A religious or interpretive approach that looks for hidden symbolic or allegorical meanings in texts, especially biblical passages.
From figure + -ism (doctrine or practice). Derived from Latin figura meaning representation or form. The -ism suffix indicates a systematic belief or method of interpretation.
Medieval scholars used figurism to find Christian meanings hidden in Old Testament stories — so a serpent wasn't just a snake, but a symbol of Satan — turning sacred texts into elaborate treasure hunts of meaning.
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