(~s)
1.
A ~ of a play, dance, or piece of music is a practice of it in preparation for a performance.
The band was scheduled to begin ~s for a concert tour...
N-VAR: oft N for/of n
see also dress ~
2.
You can describe an event or object which is a preparation for a more important event or object as a ~ for it.
Daydreams may seem to be ~s for real-life situations.
N-COUNT: N for n