helmet crest; plume; pompom
Refers to the decorative ornament attached to the front of a traditional Japanese helmet (兜).
figurehead; nominal leader
Used for a person who is nominally in charge but has little real power, or a front person for an organization.
The helmets of Sengoku warlords had magnificent crests attached.
He is the president, but in reality he is nothing more than a figurehead.
Standard spelling for both the helmet crest and the figurative figurehead sense.
Abbreviated spelling; less common but attested.
Compound of 前 (mae, 'front') and 立て (tate, 'standing thing'). Originally referred to the standing ornament on the front of a helmet, later extended metaphorically to a person who stands at the front as a nominal leader.