second-string
sec·ond–string
adj \ˌse-kən(d)-ˈstriŋ, ˌse-kəŋ-\Definition of SECOND-STRING
: being a substitute as distinguished from a regular (as on a ball team)
See Origin of SECOND-STRING
from the reserve bowstring carried by an archer in case the first breaks
First Known Use: 1922
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: second table
Previous Word in the Dictionary: second–strike
All Words Near: second-string
Previous Word in the Dictionary: second–strike
All Words Near: second-string
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up second-string? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
