v. re·hearsed, re·hears·ing, re·hears·es v.tr. 1. a. To practice (a part in a play or a piece of music, for example) in preparation for a public performance. See Synonyms at practice. b. To practice (an action) by repetition so as to improve performance: rehearse military maneuvers. c. To direct in a rehearsal: rehearsed the orchestra. 2. a. To repeat or recite: "a florid and flippant attack that rehearsed some of the time-worn creationist canards" (Frederick C. Crews). b. To list or enumerate: rehearsed her complaints in a letter. v.intr. To practice something, such as a speech, before presenting it publicly. [Middle English rehercen, to repeat, from Old French rehercier : re-, re- + hercier, to harrow (from herce, harrow; see HEARSE).] re·hearser n. |
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