(apparently from "to run" and "dale," valley,. originally something separated off, cf. "deal"), the name of a form of occupation of land, somewhat resembling the English "common field" system. The land is divided into discontinuous plots, and cultivated and occupied by a number of tenants to whom it is leased jointly. The system was common in Ireland, especially in the western counties. In Scotland, where the system also existed, it was termed "run-rig" (from "run," and "rig" or "ridge").