Definition of repechage

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< repeating firearm

repel >

rep·e·chage    (rp-shäzh) KEY 

NOUN:

A trial heat, especially in rowing, allowing competitors who have already lost a heat another chance to qualify for the semifinals.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French repêchage, rescuing, repechage, from repêcher, to finish up again, rescue : re-, again (from Old French; see re-) + pêcher, to fish for (from Old French pescher, from Vulgar Latin *piscre, from Latin piscr; see piscatorial)