decoy

thumb|Carved wooden duck decoy (model)|duck decoys

A decoy (derived from the Dutch de kooi, literally "the cage" or possibly eenden kooi, "duck cage") is usually a person, device, or event which resembles what an individual or a group might be looking for, but it is only meant to lure them. Decoys have been used for centuries most notably in game hunting, but also in wartime and in the committing or resolving of crimes.