stalking-horse

(noun) a candidate put forward to divide the Opposition or to mask the true candidate.

(noun) something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason. Synonyms: pretext.

(noun) screen consisting of a figure of a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game.

(noun) a horse behind which a hunter hides while stalking game.