Hypertext Webster Gateway: "figurehead"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Figurehead \Fig"ure*head`\, n.
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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
figurehead
n 1: a person used as a cover for some questionable activity
[syn: {front man}, {front}, {nominal head}, {straw man}]
2: figure on the bow of some sailing vessels
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