figurehead Hear it!

figurehead definition

figure·head (fig′yər hed′)

noun

  1. a carved figure on the bow of a ship
  2. a person put in a position of leadership because of name, rank, etc., but having no real power, authority, or responsibility

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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