run-back
[f. run v.]
1. The action or fact of running backwards.
| 1926 Gloss. Terms Electr. Engin. (Brit. Engin. Stand. Assoc.) 140 Runback preventer, a system of connection in a tramcar controller such that, in the event of the car running backwards, the motors act as short-circuited generators and thus exert a braking action. 1929 A. T. Dover Electric Traction (ed. 2) viii. 183 Where the motors are cross-connected for braking..the braking positions of the controller are effective for both directions of motion of the car, and may, therefore, be used for preventing a run-back. 1973 P. Dickinson Green Gene ii. 41 He wanted to see whether any usable figures were available for..the mid-nineteenth century, enough at least for him to construct a crude model and attempt a run⁓back. |
2. The additional space located at either end of a lawn tennis court.
| 1908 A. W. Myers Compl. Lawn Tennis Player 213 At Auteuil..the run-back is inadequate and the timbered roof too low. 1927 Daily Express 30 May 3/5 The proper run-back for a court should be 21 ft. from the base-line to the stop-netting. 1977 Club Tennis Mar. 15 Where economy of space and/or money are important considerations a size of 33.53m × 16.46m (110ft × 54ft) which gives a 4.88m (16ft) run back is entirely adequate for the average home player. |
3. Amer. Football. (See quot. 1976.)
| 1944 Sun (Baltimore) 6 Oct. 14/1 The ‘one-man gang's’ total net gain was 275 yards, 243 yards gained in 22 times carrying the ball from scrimmage, and 37 yards gained in two kickoff runbacks. 1949 Lafayette Alumnus (Lafayette Coll., Easton, Pa.) 24 Oct. 1/2 Winston Williams was outkicking Delaware's Smith and the Maroon had a slight edge on runbacks. 1971 L. Koppett Guide to Spectator Sports ii. 59 The receiving team can attempt a ‘runback’ at any time, even after a fumble. 1976 Webster's Sports Dict. 364/1 Runback,..a run made to advance the ball after catching a kick or punt or after intercepting a forward pass. |