run-in

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.

• Audio (US)

  (file)

run-in (plural run-ins)

1. An encounter; a scrape or brush, especially one involving trouble or difficulty.
   • 2004, Pamela Morsi, Suburban Renewal, page 95:

     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. The end-phase of a competition.

   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

Derived from the verb run in.

• Audio (US)

  (file)

run-in (not generally comparable, comparative more run-in, superlative most run-in)

1. (participial adjective; editing, typography) (not comparable) Having been run in before or behind previous text.

   Antonym: free-hanging

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

2. (participial adjective; mechanical, engineering) (sometimes comparable) Having been run in to seat the parts.

   Synonym: broken in (adj)

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

• inrun, inurn