'effigies' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'effigies', where the prefix 'ex-/ef-' meant 'out' and the root 'fingere' meant 'to form or shape'.

'effigies' passed into Old French as 'effigie', then into Middle English as 'effigie'/'effigy', and eventually became the modern English noun 'effigy' with the plural 'effigies'.

Initially it meant 'an image or likeness', and over time it has retained that sense but often acquired the additional nuance of a crude or symbolic figure made for protest or ceremonial destruction.