>3. A person or thing put into place in order to mislead or function secretly, especially:
>a. A person placed in a group of spectators to influence behavior.
>b. A person stationed in a given location as a spy or observer.
notable
Out with the old pope - in with the False Prophet
Out with the old Israeli leader - in with a dynamic peace making and eventual self proclaimed Messiah
Add in the global /space /crypto and tech guru Elon into the unholy trinity …
Awareness of this phenomenon was probably important in ancient times. Without a scientific understanding of genetics or science, certain groups would develop a spiritual belief system to explain it, shun certain outsiders, etc. People who broke this tabu would be shunned and condemned.