[f. next.] An actor or actress who studies a superior performer’s part in order to be able to take it if required; also, the study of a part for this purpose. Also transf.
1882. Society, 7 Oct., 13/2. His place during his absence … having been filled by his understudy.
1884. G. Moore, Mummer’s Wife (1887), xv. 196. The girl who … had been entrusted with the understudy.
1887. Lang, Myth, Ritual & Relig., I. 336. There is a … tendency for gods to double their parts, or rather,.. for each part to have its ‘under-study.’
