staffage

noun staf·fage \ stəˈfäzh \

Definition of staffage

plural -s

: the accessories of an artistic composition; especially : human or animal figures added as subordinate elements to the painting of a landscape

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Origin and Etymology of staffage

German, from staffieren to trim, decorate (from Low German stafferen, from Middle Low German stoffēren, staffēren, from Middle Dutch stofferen, from Middle French estoffer to stuff, trim, decorate) + French -age