The external, literal, or superficial aspect of something. Also in plural in same sense.

figurative. Envelopment; outer covering; outside, external part. archaic.

figurative and in figurative context. (See also shall, n.)

transferred and figurative. The outside or external part of anything; mostly in depreciatory sense, the mere rough or worthless exterior, as…

figurative. The external part; the outer shell or husk. Obsolete.

Skin, rind; figurative the surface, outside.

That which is external; the outside. rare.