redshirt


red·shirt

R0106300 (rĕd′shûrt′)n. A college athlete who is allowed to practice with the varsity team but is kept out of competition for one year in order to extend the athlete's period of eligibility.tr.v. red·shirt·ed, red·shirt·ing, red·shirts To make (a student) a redshirt.
[From the red jerseys worn by such athletes to distinguish them from the regular players.]

redshirt

(ˈrɛdˌʃɜːt) vb (intr) (General Sporting Terms) sport US (of a college athlete) to take a year out of a sports team

red•shirt

(ˈrɛdˌʃɜrt)
n. 1. a high-school or college athlete kept out of varsity competition for one year to develop skills and extend eligibility. v.t. 2. to withdraw (an athlete) from varsity competition. [1950–55, Amer.; from the red shirts worn in practice by such athletes]