Main Entry:

¹check

Pronunciation:

\ˈchek\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English chek, from Anglo-French eschec, from Arabic shāh, from Persian, literally, king; akin to Greek ktasthai to acquire, Sanskrit kṣatra dominion

Date:

15th century

1: exposure of a chess king to an attack from which he must be protected or moved to safety2 a: a sudden stoppage of a forward course or progress : arrest b: a checking of an opposing player (as in ice hockey)3: a sudden pause or break in a progression4archaic : reprimand, rebuke5: one that arrests, limits, or restrains : restraint <against all checks, rebukes, and manners, I must advance — Shakespeare>6 a: a standard for testing and evaluation : criterion b: examination <a quick check of the engine> c: inspection, investigation <a loyalty check on government employees> d: the act of testing or verifying ; also : the sample or unit used for testing or verifying7: a written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed : draft8 a: a ticket or token showing ownership or identity or indicating payment made <a baggage check> b: a counter in various games c: a slip indicating the amount due : bill9 [Middle English chek, short for cheker checker] a: a pattern in squares that resembles a checkerboard b: a fabric woven or printed with such a design10: a mark typically √ placed beside an item to show it has been noted, examined, or verified11: crack, break

— check·less \ˈche-kləs\ adjective

— in check

: under restraint or control <trying to keep his emotions in check>