Main Entry: 1check
Pronunciation: 'chek
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English chek, from Middle French eschec, from Arabic shAh, from Persian, literally, king; akin to Greek ktasthai to acquire, Sanskrit ksatra dominion
1 : exposure of a chess king to an attack from which he must be protected or moved to safety
2 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 progression
4 archaic : REPRIMAND, REBUKE
5 : 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 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 verifying
7 : a written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed : DRAFT
8 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 : BILL
9 [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 design
10 : a mark typically <check> placed beside an item to show it has been noted, examined, or verified
11 : CRACK, BREAK
- check·less /'che-kl&s/ adjective
- in check : under restraint or control