Rehearsal - Encyclopedia

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES

REHEARSAL (from "rehearse," to say over again, repeat, recount, O.Fr. rehercer, from re, again, and hercer, to harrow, cf. "hearse," the original meaning being to rake or go over the same ground again as with a harrow), a recital of words or statements, particularly the trial performance in private of a play, musical composition, recitation, &c., for the purpose of practice preparatory to the performance in public. In the theatre a "full rehearsal" is one in which the whole performance is gone through with all the performers, a "dress rehearsal" one in which the performance is carried out with scenery, costumes, properties, &c., exactly as it is to be played in public.