Definition

• n. - 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.
• n. - A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check.
• n. - Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff.
• n. - 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.
• n. - A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See Bank check, below.
• n. - 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.