Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Figurehead \Fig"ure*head`\, n.
   1. (Naut.) The figure, statue, or bust, on the prow of a
      ship.

   2. A person who allows his name to be used to give standing
      to enterprises in which he has no responsible interest or
      duties; a nominal, but not real, head or chief.

Source : WordNet®

figurehead
     n 1: a person used as a cover for some questionable activity
          [syn: {front man}, {front}, {nominal head}, {straw man},
           {strawman}]
     2: figure on the bow of some sailing vessels