if i understand your argument,jack,you are saying that since the dictionary defines "image"[and likeness?] as ref to physical form that the whole creation account is allegory?.
my understanding is that the primary meaning has to do with the qualities of humanhood such as moral,spiritual,intellectual capacity.
i would need to be a hebrew scholar as to whether the word translated as "image" in english has a wider range than your take on it.i do know however that many hebrew words do have a range of meanings.the choice of translation often being guided by context.if this is true in this case,the interpretation chosen will be aided by theological understanding also.
there is however one other factor,and that is that in Christ God would take on human flesh and so there would be human resemblance then,,as indeed there is now as the Man represents us men to the Father.