understudy

Word Origin & History

also under-study, 1852, in the theatrical sense, from under + study (v.). The noun is attested from 1848, translating Italian supplimento.

But an understudy was to play her part that night and she had no excuse.

And the maid will leave us before the month is over and I shall be her understudy.

She's an understudy, and her principal might fall ill--or something.

Then he turned, roaring: 'Vere is Miss Lawrence's understudy?

Through the two acts which followed, the understudy kept it up.

It will start in two minutes, and we shall see what the understudy can make of it.

I must provide an understudy for Mr. Macy, and others of the cast, also.

John replied fervently, "Oh, sir, I should like to be Harry's understudy."

And he became, on Sunday afternoons, a sort of understudy for Catherine.

Let me repeat, once more, that for every position you should have an understudy.

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noun substitute

noun. person who performs, entertains by role-playing

noun. person who performs, entertains by role-playing

noun. person who serves others

noun. person who serves others

noun. substitute

verb. act as substitute