a small-scale toy figure, e.g. of a person or animal, that is moved by strings, wires, or rods attached to the head, body, and limbs, or by movements of the hand and fingers inside the body
a person whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence
(used before a noun) controlled by an outside force or influence, esp another country
a puppet government
puppeteer /-ʹtiə/ noun
puppetry /-tri/ noun
[Middle English popet from early French poupette, ultimately from Latin pupa girl, doll, puppet]