0 a strip of metal, going from the highest point of a building to the ground, that prevents lightning from damaging the building by taking the electricity to the ground before it can reach a dangerous level
1 someone or something that takes all the blame or criticism in a situation, although other people or things are responsible too:
2 a strip of metal that prevents lightning from damaging a building by directing the electricity into the ground
3 someone who attracts criticism or anger that could be directed at someone else: