check1
¦ verb
1. examine the accuracy, quality, or condition of.
verify or establish to one's satisfaction.
informal, chiefly N. Amer. take notice of.
2. stop or slow the progress of.
Ice Hockey hamper or neutralize (an opponent) with one's body or stick.
(of a hound) pause to make sure of or regain a scent.
(of a trained hawk) abandon the intended quarry and fly after other prey.
3. Chess move a piece or pawn to a square where it attacks (the opposing king).
4. (in poker) choose not to make a bet when called upon, allowing another player to do so instead.
¦ noun
1. an examination to check accuracy, quality, or condition: a health check.
2. an act of checking progress.
a means of control or restraint.
a temporary loss of the scent in hunting.
Falconry a false stoop when a hawk abandons its intended quarry and pursues other prey.
3. a part of a piano which catches the hammer and prevents it retouching the strings.
4. Chess an act of checking the opposing king.
5. N. Amer. the bill in a restaurant.
6. (also baggage/luggage check) a token of identification for left luggage.
7. a counter used as a stake in a gambling game.
8. (also
check mark) North American term for
tick1 (in sense 1).
9. a crack or flaw in timber.
¦ exclamation
1. informal, chiefly N. Amer. expressing assent or agreement.
2. Chess used by a player to announce that the opponent's king has been placed in check.
Phrases
in check
1. under control.
2. Chess (of a king) directly attacked by an opponent's piece or pawn.
Phrasal verbs
check in arrive and register at a hotel or airport.
check something in have one's baggage weighed and consigned to the hold of an aircraft.
check into register one's arrival at (a hotel).
check something off N. Amer. mark an item on a list to show that it has been dealt with.
check on verify, ascertain, or monitor the state or condition of.
check out settle one's hotel bill before leaving.
check someone/thing out establish the truth or inform oneself about someone or something.
check up on investigate to establish the truth about or accuracy of.
Derivatives
checkable adjective
Origin
ME: the noun and exclamation from OFr. eschec, from med. L. scaccus, via Arab. from Pers. sah 'king'; the verb from OFr. eschequier 'play chess, put in check'.
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check2
¦ noun a pattern of small squares.
¦ adjective (also checked) having a pattern of small squares.
Origin
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check3