From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Check \Check\ (ch[e^]k), n. [OE. chek, OF. eschec, F. ['e]chec,
a stop, hindrance, orig. check in the game of chess, pl.
['e]checs chess, through Ar., fr. Pers. sh[=a]h king. See
{Shah}, and cf. {Checkmate}, {Chess}, {Checker}.]
1. (Chess) A word of warning denoting that the king is in
danger; such a menace of a player's king by an adversary's
move as would, if it were any other piece, expose it to
immediate capture. A king so menaced is said to be in
check, and must be made safe at the next move.
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2. A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest;
stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check.
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Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress
of Christianity. --Addison.
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No check, no stay, this streamlet fears.
--Wordsworth.
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3. Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle,
guard, restraint, or rebuff.
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Useful check upon the administration of government.
--Washington.
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A man whom no check could abash. --Macaulay.
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4. A mark, certificate, or token, by which, errors may be
prevented, or a thing or person may be identified; as,
checks placed against items in an account; a check given
for baggage; a return check on a railroad.
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5. A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as
therein stated. See {Bank check}, below.
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6. A woven or painted design in squares resembling the patten
of a checkerboard; one of the squares of such a design;
also, cloth having such a figure.
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7. (Falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to
follow other birds.
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8. Small chick or crack.
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{Bank check}, a written order on a banker or broker to pay
money in his keeping belonging to the signer.
{Check book}, a book containing blank forms for checks upon a
bank.
{Check hook}, a hook on the saddle of a harness, over which a
checkrein is looped.
{Check list}, a list or catalogue by which things may be
verified, or on which they may be checked.
{Check nut} (Mech.), a secondary nut, screwing down upon the
primary nut to secure it. --Knight.
{Check valve} (Mech.), a valve in the feed pipe of a boiler,
or other conduit, to prevent the return of the feed water
or other fluid.
{To take check}, to take offense. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Syn: Hindrance; setback; interruption; obstruction;
reprimand; censure; rebuke; reproof; repulse; rebuff;
tally; counterfoil; counterbalance; ticket; draft.
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From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
bank check
n 1: a written order directing a bank to pay money; "he paid all
his bills by check" [syn: {check}, {bank check}, {cheque}]
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