figurehead Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a person used as a cover for some questionable activity
    straw man; nominal head; front; strawman; front man.
  2. noun figure on the bow of some sailing vessels

WordNet


Fig"ure*head` noun
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) The figure, statue, or bust, on the prow of a ship.
  2. A person who allows his name to be used to give standing to enterprises in which he has no responsible interest or duties; a nominal, but not real, head or chief.

Webster 1913