figure-head

figure-head
n
1 (esp formerly) large wooden carving, usu representing a human figure, placed at the prow of a ship （尤指旧时的）船首饰像, 破浪神的雕像. =>illus 见插图.
2 (fig 比喻) person in a high position but without any real authority 有名无实的首脑人物; 傀儡.

牛津英汉双解词典