check1
v.
- examine the accuracy, quality, or condition of.
▸verify or establish to one's satisfaction.
▸informal, chiefly N. Amer. take notice of.
- 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.
- Chess move a piece or pawn to a square where it attacks (the opposing king).
- (in poker) choose not to make a bet when called upon, allowing another player to do so instead.
n.
- an examination to check accuracy, quality, or condition:
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a health check.
- 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.
- a part of a piano which catches the hammer and prevents it retouching the strings.
- Chess an act of checking the opposing king.
- N. Amer. the bill in a restaurant.
-
(also baggage/luggage check)
a token of identification for left luggage.
- a counter used as a stake in a gambling game.
-
(also check mark)
North American term for tick1 (in sense 1).
- a crack or flaw in timber.
exclam.
- informal, chiefly N. Amer. expressing assent or agreement.
- Chess used by a player to announce that the opponent's king has been placed in check.
Phrase
- in check
- under control.
- Chess (of a king) directly attacked by an opponent's piece or pawn.
Phrase verbal
- 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.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: the noun and exclamation from OFr. eschec, from med. L. scaccus, via Arab. from Pers. šāh ‘king’; the verb from OFr. eschequier ‘play chess, put in check’.
check2
n.
a pattern of small squares.
adj.
(also
checked)
having a pattern of small squares.
Etymology
ME: prob. from chequer.
