figurehead

figure +‎ head

• IPA^(key): /ˈfɪɡjəɹˌhɛd/, /ˈfɪɡəɹˌhɛd/

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figurehead (plural figureheads)

1. (nautical) A carved figure on the prow of a sailing ship.
2. (by extension) Someone in a nominal position of leadership who has no actual power; a front or front man.
   • 1928, Lawrence R. Bourne, chapter 2, in Well Tackled!‎:

     Evidently he did not mean to be a mere figurehead, but to carry on the old tradition of Wilsthorpe's; and that was considered to be a good thing in itself and an augury for future prosperity.