The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Figurehead \Fig"ure*head`\, n.
   1. (Naut.) The figure, statue, or bust, on the prow of a
      ship.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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