Definitions for "Understudy"
Keywords:  rehearse, theatre, actor, role, unable
To study, as another actor's part, in order to be his substitute in an emergency; to study another actor's part.
One who studies another's part with a view to assuming it in an emergency.
A performer who learns a part in a play in order to be able to take over at a moments notice if the principal is for any reason unable to perform. Talented newcomers would often be made understudy to established stars so that they might learn from studying their performances.
an employee selected under competitive procedures for the purpose of being trained to assume the duties of a position scheduled to be vacated in a definite period of time, normally one year or less