second–string

adjective sec·ond–string \ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ, ˌse-k^əŋ-\

sports : not used as one of the regular players on a team

Full Definition of SECOND-STRING

: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)

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from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks

First Known Use: 1922

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