ETYM Old Eng. chek, Old Fren. eschec, French échec, a stop, hindrance, orig. check in the game of chess, pl. échecs chess, through AR., from Pers. shâh king. Related to Shah, Checkmate, Chess, Checker.
(Homonym: Czech).
1. A written order directing a bank to pay money; SYN. bank check, cheque.
2. The bill in a restaurant; SYN. chit, tab.
3. Obstructing an opponent in ice hockey.
4. The act of inspecting or verifying; SYN. checkout, check-out procedure.

An order written by the drawer to a commercial or central bank to pay a specific sum on demand.
Usually the check should bear the date on which it is payable, a definite sum of money to be paid, written in words and figures, to a named person or body, or to the bearer, and be signed by the drawer. It is then payable on presentation at the bank on which it is drawn. In the US checks are widely negotiable for retail purchases and other financial transactions.

(Chess) A direct attack on an opponent's king.

(Homonym: Czech).
1. To examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition; SYN. check up on, look into, check out, suss out, check over, go over, check into.
2. To be verified or confirmed; pass inspection; SYN. check out.
3. To make an examination or investigation.
4. To verify by consulting a source or authority.
5. To arrest the motion (of something) abruptly.
6. To slow the growth or development of; SYN. retard, turn back, arrest, stop, contain, hold back.
7. To stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution.
8. To hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping.
9. To put a check mark on or next to; SYN. check off, mark, mark off, tick off.
10. To consign for shipment on a vehicle, as of luggage.
11. To mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on; SYN. checker, chequer.
12. To make cracks or chinks in; SYN. chink.
13. To place into check in a game of chess.
14. To block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey.
15. To stop in a chase esp. when scent is lost.
16. To decline to initiate betting, in poker.
17. To abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey, of falcons.

To place into check in a game of chess