To take check

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. [1913 Webster]

2. A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check. [1913 Webster]

Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress of Christianity. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

No check, no stay, this streamlet fears. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]

3. Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff. [1913 Webster]

Useful check upon the administration of government. --Washington. [1913 Webster]

A man whom no check could abash. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

5. A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See {Bank check}, below. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

7. (Falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds. [1913 Webster]

8. Small chick or crack. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]