(a name for) a person who is available (esp. for work) whenever needed; spec. †a member of the clergy who stands in temporarily when required (obs…

Something that temporarily supplies a need; a makeshift. Also, of a person: One who temporarily occupies an office, etc. until a permanent…

Something which, as it were, merely appears to apologize for the absence of what ought to have been there; a poor substitute.

That with which one makes shift; a temporary substitute, esp. of an inferior kind, an expedient. Also in extended use, of a person.

slang. A person who temporarily holds a place or employment until the intended occupant is ready to take it.

A substitute or imitation (usually, an inferior article instead of the real thing). Also attributive or adj., and figurative.

A foodstuff or other substance used as an alternative to that which is normally used, esp. on account of being cheaper or more abundant; an…