You might possibly be thinking of [ceremonial][1]:

>(of a post or role) conferring or involving only nominal authority or power.

>*'the largely ceremonial position of Lord Lieutenant of Kent'*

For example, Field marshal is the highest rank in the British Army and it is certainly an important title. It most certainly has been used as a real and serious rank with real and serious responsibilities. However, to quote [Wikipedia][2],

>Other ceremonial appointments were made as diplomatic gestures.


  [1]: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/ceremonial
  [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_marshal_(United_Kingdom)