fugleman
Noun: 1. A leader, organizer, and spokesman, especially a political leader: A person who acts as a leader, particularly in a political or ideological movement, often setting an example for others to follow. 2. (Military, historical) A soldier placed in front of a regiment or company as a model for others when drilling: The original meaning refers to a soldier positioned in front of a body of troops to demonstrate movements and serve as a guide during exercises.
The word is used to describe a person who leads by example, often in a public or organizational context. It can imply a role of advocacy and representation. The military sense is now largely historical.
- He became the fugleman for the new environmental movement, articulating its goals to the public.
- The senator acted as a fugleman for the proposed tax reforms.
- (Historical) The fugleman stood ahead of the line, his precise movements guiding the recruits.
- The term often carries a connotation of being a standard-bearer or a prominent representative for a specific cause or group.
- It can be used in a slightly critical way to imply someone is a mouthpiece or a figurehead for an ideology.
- Fugle (verb, archaic): To act as a fugleman; to signal or guide.
- Guide (noun/verb): A more common and general term for someone who leads or shows the way.
- Spokesman/Spokesperson (noun): A person who speaks on behalf of a group.
- Leader
- Spokesman
- Standard-bearer
- Figurehead
- Exemplar
- Mouthpiece
- Follower
- Rank and file
From German Flügelmann, from Flügel ('wing') + Mann ('man'). It originally referred to the soldier at the extreme wing of a line who guided the others.
- a leader and organizer and spokesman (especially a political leader)
- a fugleman for the radical right