from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
NOMINAL. Relating to a name.
2. A nominal plaintiff is one in whose name an action is brought, for
the use of another. In this case, the nominal plaintiff has no control over
the action, nor is he responsible for costs. 1 Dall. 1 39; 2 Watts, R. 12.
3. A nominal partner is one, who, without having an actual interest in
the profits of a concern, allows his name to be used, or agrees that it
shall be continued therein, as a partner; such nominal partner is clearly
liable to the creditors of the firm, as a general partner, although the
creditors were ignorant at the time of dealing, that his name was used.. 2
H. Bl. 242, 246; 1 Esp. R. 31; 2 Campb. 302; 16 East, R. 174; 2 B. & C. 411.