One that takes the place of

(Homonym: vise).
1. A specific form of evildoing; moral depravity or corruption; wickedness; a moral fault or failing; a habitual and usually trivial defect or shortcoming; foible.
2. Blemish, defect.
3. A physical imperfection, deformity, or taint.
4 An abnormal behavior pattern in a domestic animal detrimental to its health or usefulness.
5. Sexual immorality; especially; prostitution.

(Latin) prep. “in place of”; succeeding to. In place of; rather than