second string

Definition of Second String in English :

1. second string

a squad of players that are available either individually or as a team to relieve or replace the players who started the game

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Second String

noun

1. mainly British

an alternative course of action, etc, intended to come into use should the first fail (esp in the phrase a second string to one's bow)

2.

a substitute or reserve player or team

adjective second-string mainly US and Canadian

3. sport

a.

being a substitute player

b.

being the second-ranked player of a team in an individual sport

4.

second-rate or inferior

a person or thing regarded as a secondary source of strength

adjective Informal

1. Sport

that is the second or a substitute choice for play at the specified position

2.

subordinate or inferior in rank, importance, etc.

n.

The group of players that substitute for the starting players or from which substitute players are drawn on a sports team.