Word Study
understudy
CIDE DICTIONARY
understudy, v. t. & i.
To study, as another actor's part, in order to be his substitute in an emergency; to study another actor's part. [1913 Webster]
understudy, n.
One who studies another's part with a view to assuming it in an emergency. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
understudy, n. & v. esp. Theatr.
--n. (pl. -ies) a person who studies another's role or duties in order to act at short notice in the absence of the other.
--v.tr. (-ies, -ied)
1 study (a role etc.) as an understudy.
2 act as an understudy to (a person).
--n. (pl. -ies) a person who studies another's role or duties in order to act at short notice in the absence of the other.
--v.tr. (-ies, -ied)
1 study (a role etc.) as an understudy.
2 act as an understudy to (a person).
THESAURUS
understudy
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