meaning - What is the origin of the phrase "to take a rain check"


I know what it means, but can't really see the reasoning of this phrase. Anyone with an insight?



Answer



From wikipedia:



A ticket given to a spectator at an outdoor event providing for a refund of his or her entrance money or admission at a later date, should the event be interrupted by rain.



According to wikipedia, quoting OED, it was first used in baseball around 1880.


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