inning
UK[ˈɪnɪŋ]US[ˈɪnɪŋ]
n
a division of a baseball game consisting of a turn at bat for each team
n
a chance or opportunity for action or achievement, especially in a political context
n
(archaic) the act of reclaiming land from the sea or a marsh
Etymology
The word 'inning' originates from the Old English verb 'innian', meaning "to get in, put in, or take in," which itself is related to the adverb 'in'. Its earliest recorded use in the 14th century referred to the process of reclaiming land from the sea or marsh by enclosing it, literally "getting it in" to usable territory. This core sense of a "turn to bring something in" was then applied in the 18th century to the game of cricket, where an inning is a side's turn to bat and "bring in" runs. This sporting usage was later borrowed into American baseball in the 19th century, solidifying its primary modern meaning. The metaphorical extension to a "period of opportunity" in politics or other endeavors follows logically from this idea of having one's turn to act.
Analysis
The word is a simplex noun derived from the Old English verb 'innian' (to get in, put in). It is not productively formed from separable modern English morphemes.
Examples
The starting pitcher was dominant, throwing eight scoreless innings.
After years in opposition, the party now has its inning to implement its policies.
The old maps show how the coastline was extended through careful inning of the wetlands.