|
(), n.[OE. chek, OF. eschec, F. chec, a stop, hindrance, orig. check in the game of chess, pl. checs chess, through AR., fr. Pers. shh 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. 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. Addison. No check, no stay, this streamlet fears. Wordsworth. 3. Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff. Useful check upon the administration of government. Washington. A man whom no check could abash. Macaulay. 4. A mark, certificate, or token, by which, errors may be prevented, or a thing o Check v. t.[imp. & p. p.Checked (); 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. 2. To put a sudden restraint upon; to stop temporarily; to hinder; to repress; to curb. So many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and oppression. Burke. 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; as, to check an account; to check baggage. 4. To chide, rebuke, or reprove. The good king, his master, will check him for it. Shak. 5. (Naut.) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended. 6. To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack; as, the sun checks timber. Syn. -- To restrain; curb; bridle; repress; control; hinder; impede; obstruct; interrupt; tally; rebuke; reprove; rebuff. Check (), v. i.To make a stop; to pause; -- with at. The mind, once jaded by an attempt above its power, either is disabled for the future, or else checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after. Locke. 2. To clash or interfere. [R.] Bacon. 3. To act as a curb or restraint. It [his presence] checks too strong upon me. Dryden. 4. To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc. 5. (Falconry) To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds. And like the haggard, check at every feather That comes before his eye. Shak. Check a.Checkered; designed in checks. スポンサード リンク
|