Definition of run off

The phrase "run off" as a verb originated in the mid-19th century, specifically around the 1840s. It can be traced back to the printing industry, where it was used to describe the process of printing a large number of pages consecutively without stopping the press. Initially, the word "run" had a different meaning in this context. In print shops, it referred to the action of the ink on the paper, where the printer would control the flow of ink from the rollers onto the page by adjusting the pressure and speed of the rollers. This allowed for a consistent and smooth print. As the printing process became more automated, the term "run off" emerged to describe the uninterrupted printing of a large volume of pages, without requiring the press to be stopped for any reason, such as changing plates or refilling ink. This saved time and increased efficiency, as modern printing jobs could be completed quickly and accurately. Today, the phrase "run off" can be found in various contexts, such as in computer printing or manufacturing, where it refers to the production of a large number of identical items consecutively, without pausing or changing the process.