- Check
- Check Check, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Checked} (ch[e^]kt); p. pr.
& vb. n. {checking}.]
1. (Chess) To make a move which puts an adversary's piece,
esp. his king, in check; to put in check.
[1913 Webster]
2. To put a sudden restraint upon; to stop temporarily; to hinder; to repress; to curb. Hence, (Ice Hockey) To obstruct the motion of an opposing player by contacting him with one's body. [1913 Webster +PJC]
So many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and oppression. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
3. To verify, to guard, to make secure, by means of a mark, token, or other check; to distinguish by a check; to put a mark against (an item) after comparing with an original or a counterpart in order to secure accuracy. Hence, To compare with an original or with some standard, to insure correctness; as, to check an account; to check with a supervisor about procedures. [1913 Webster +PJC]
4. To chide, rebuke, or reprove. [1913 Webster]
The good king, his master, will check him for it. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
5. (Naut.) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended. [1913 Webster]
6. To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack; as, the sun checks timber. [1913 Webster]
7. To leave (something) in the temporary custody of another; as, to check baggage; to check one's firearms at the door; to check one's coat at the cloakroom. [PJC]
8. To accept (something) for temporary custody from another; as, to check a customer's baggage; to check a customer's coat. [PJC]
9. To make a checkered pattern upon. [PJC]
Syn: To restrain; curb; bridle; repress; control; hinder; impede; obstruct; interrupt; tally; rebuke; reprove; rebuff. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.