from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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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.
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So many clogs to check and retard the headlong
course of violence and oppression. --Burke.
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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.
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4. To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
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The good king, his master, will check him for it.
--Shak.
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5. (Naut.) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too
stiffly extended.
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6. To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack; as, the
sun checks timber.
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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.
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