Figure in veil: it is seen on and off (5)

I believe the answer is:

eight

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'figure' is the definition.
(eight is a number)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for eight that I've seen before include "Where arrogance is needed" , "Carmina Burana composer" , "Number; rowing boat" , "team rowing" , "Perfect cube" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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