stand-in

[stand-in] /ˈstændˌɪn/
noun
1.
a substitute for a motion-picture star during the preparation of lighting, cameras, etc., or in dangerous scenes.
2.
any substitute.
Origin
1930-35; noun use of verb phrase stand in
British Dictionary definitions for stand in

stand in

verb
1.
(intransitive, adverb) usually foll by for. to act as a substitute
2.
stand someone in good stead, to be of benefit or advantage to someone
noun
3.
  1. a person or thing that serves as a substitute
  2. (as modifier): a stand-in teacher
4.
a person who substitutes for an actor during intervals of waiting or in dangerous stunts
Word Origin and History for stand in
v.

"substitute," 1904, show-biz slang, from stand (v.). As a noun, it is attested from 1928.

Slang definitions & phrases for stand in

stand in

verb phrase

To substitute; act as a proxy: I'll have to stand in for her and run the meeting (1904+ Show business)


stand-in

noun
  1. A performer who takes the place of another (1938+)
  2. A substitute or proxy; a deputy: Naive Stingo, as stand-in for us (1937+)

[perhaps fr the use of a substitute to replace a performer during such tedious procedures as adjusting lights, arranging the stage or set, etc; perhaps also fr the earlier notion of a deputy or place-holder, literally a lieutenant, in French, ''a place-holder'']