Definitions

1. noun

A person who is tricked or deceived, especially by being made to appear foolish or incompetent.

“He was used as a patsy by the scam artists, taking the fall for their crime.”

2. noun

A person who is used to take the blame for something done by others.

“The company’s CEO was the patsy for the financial scandal, but it was actually the board of directors who made the decisions.”

3. verb

To deceive or trick someone into doing something.

“The con artist patsied him into investing in the fake company.”