Figurehead
/ˈfɪɡjərˌhɛd/noun
A person who appears to lead but has little real power.
Did you know?The word originally referred to the carved figure on the prow of a ship, and only later became a political insult for someone who is all image and no authority.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
figurehede
“The carved head or figure at the prow of a ship”
16th Century
English
figure-head
“A decorative carved figure on the front of a ship”
17th Century
English
figurehead
“A ship’s ornamental prow carving; by extension, a person or office serving mainly as a symbol”
18th-19th Century
English
figurehead
“A nominal leader with little or no real power”
Modern English
English
figurehead
“A ceremonial or symbolic leader who lacks actual authority”
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