figurehead

noun

1. A carved figure on the prow of a sailing ship.
2. (broadly, figuratively)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.”

   “Supporters of Wagenknecht, a controversial but prominent figurehead, are already hatching plans for a breakaway party to compete in the 2024 European elections, the German newspaper Taz reported this week.”

3. (figuratively, obsolete, slang)A person's face.

   “HATCHET. Bring up, I say, or I'll spoil your figurehead. [Lifting his cudgel]”

verb

1. (also, idiomatic, intransitive, transitive)To lead (something) nominally and with little to no actual power.