puppet (n.)
“doll moved by strings or wires”, 1530s, later form of Middle English popet “doll” (c. 1300), from Old French popette “little doll, puppet,” diminutive of popee “doll, puppet” (13c., Modern French poupée), from Vulgar Latin puppa, from Latin pupa “girl; doll”.
Metaphoric extension to “one whose actions are manipulated by another” first recorded 1540s (as poppet). Puppet show attested from 1650s, earlier puppet-play (1550s).
