Check n. 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.
2.A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check. "Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress of Christianity." "No check, no stay, this streamlet fears."
3.Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff. "Useful check upon the administration of government." "A man whom no check could abash."
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.
5.A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See Bank check, below.
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.
7.(Falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds.
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.
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.)
Synonyms: Hindrance; setback; interruption; obstruction; reprimand; censure; rebuke; reproof; repulse; rebuff; tally; counterfoil; counterbalance; ticket; draft.
