Small figures operated by strings, rods, or hands to create entertainment or tell stories. Metaphorically, people controlled by others without independent will.
Middle English 'popet', from Old French 'poupette' (little doll), diminutive of 'poupe' (doll). Related to Latin 'pupa' (girl, doll). The political metaphor of puppet governments emerged in the 19th century.
Puppetry is one of humanity's oldest art forms, with shadow puppets dating back over 2000 years in China and Indonesia. The word 'marionette' comes from 'little Mary', referring to religious puppet plays about the Virgin Mary that were popular in medieval Europe.
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