figurehead
noun
- carved wooden decoration found at the prow of a ship
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈfɪɡjəɹˌhɛd/ / /ˈfɪɡəɹˌhɛd/
noun
Etymology: From figure + head.
- A carved figure on the prow of a sailing ship.
- Someone in a nominal position of leadership who has little to no actual power.
“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.”
“Instead she played, largely impeccably, the part of a modern constitutional monarch, a symbolic figurehead with a right to be consulted and to advise and warn political leaders privately and to show herself publicly as a focus of national life, celebration and commemoration.”
- A person's face.
“HATCHET. Bring up, I say, or I'll spoil your figurehead. [Lifting his cudgel]”
verb
Etymology: From figure + head.
- To lead (something) nominally and with little to no actual power.