understudy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an actor able to replace a regular performer when required
    standby.
  2. verb be an understudy or alternate for a role
    alternate.

WordNet


Un"der*stud`y transitive verb & intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. (Theater) To study, as another actor's part, in order to be his substitute in an emergency; to study another actor's part.
Un"der*stud`y noun
Definitions
  1. One who studies another's part with a view to assuming it in an emergency.

Webster 1913