Run-in

adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    (not comparable) Having been run in before or behind previous text. adjective, error-misspelling, not-comparable, participle, usually

    "These headings are of the run-in type because a free-hanging style would just be a waste of column inches."

  2. 2
    (sometimes comparable) Having been run in to seat the parts. adjective, error-misspelling, not-comparable, participle, usually

    "A well run-in engine is likelier to consume less crankcase oil over the course of its working life."

Noun
  1. 1
    An encounter; a scrape or brush, especially one involving trouble or difficulty.

    "During that time he had two more run-ins with the law. One involved the sale of stolen property. The other was for a series of hot checks."

  2. 2
    an angry dispute wordnet
  3. 3
    The end-phase of a competition etc.

    "Yahoo Sport's Leicester City blogger Helen Nutter gets ready for the Premier League run-in knowing her side - incredibly - still have a great chance of being crowned champions"

  4. 4
    A sudden compression between two coupled railcars when the hinder one is moving faster than the fore one.

    "Brake pipe pressure reduction rates of over 30 psi/sec lasting for about 15 milliseconds were created by harsh slack run-ins."

Etymology

Etymology 1

Derived from the verb run into. For the meaning "end-phase", it presumably comes a marathon race, where in the final part the runners run into the stadium and complete a lap.

Etymology 2

Derived from the verb run in.

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