"Understudy" Definition

Definitions for the word "Understudy" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
One who studies another's part with a view to assuming it in an emergency.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. esp.
Theatr. n. (pl. -ies) person ready to take on another''s role etc. When required. v. (-ies, -ied) 1 study (a role etc.) Thus. 2 act as an understudy to.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
4. slang
to STUDY a part for the stage, not with the view of playing it at once, but so as to be ready in the event of anything happening to its present representative. Some actors of position, who suffer from delicate health, or mental weakness, have always other and inferior, but more robust, artists UNDERSTUDYING their parts.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "Understudy" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "Understudy" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

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