checks

1. A situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece.
2. An inspection or examination.

   I don't know if she will be there, but it's worth a check.

3. A control; a limit or stop.

   The castle moat should hold the enemy in check.

4. A mark (especially a checkmark: ✓) used as an indicator.

   Place a check by the things you have done.

5. An order to a bank to pay money to a named person or entity.

   I was not carrying cash, so I wrote a check for the amount.

6. A bill, particularly in a restaurant.

   I summoned the waiter, paid the check, and hurried to leave.

7. A maneuver performed by a player to take another player out of the play.

   The hockey player gave a good hard check to obtain the puck.

8. A token used instead of cash in gaming machines, or in gambling generally.
9. A lengthwise separation through the growth rings in wood.
10. A mark, certificate or token by which errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified.

    a check given for baggage

11. The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds.
12. A small chink or crack.

1. To inspect; to examine.

   Check the oil in your car once a month.

2. To verify the accuracy of a text or translation, usually making some corrections (proofread) or many (copyedit).
3. (often used with "off") To mark items on a list (with a checkmark or by crossing them out) that have been chosen for keeping or removal or that have been dealt with (for example, completed or verified as correct or satisfactory).

   Check off the items that you've checked (inspected).

4. To control, limit, or halt.

   Check your enthusiasm during a negotiation.

5. To verify or compare with a source of information.

   Check your data against known values.

6. To leave in safekeeping.

   Check your hat and coat at the door.

7. To leave with a shipping agent for shipping.

   Check your bags at the ticket counter before the flight.

8. To pass or bounce the ball to an opponent from behind the three-point line and have the opponent pass or bounce it back to start play.

   He checked the ball and then proceeded to perform a perfect layup.

9. To disrupt another player with the stick or body to obtain possession of the ball or puck.

   The hockey player checked the defenceman to obtain the puck.

10. To remain in a hand without betting. Only legal if no one has yet bet.

    Tom didn't think he could win, so he checked.

11. To make a move which puts an adversary's king in check; to put in check.
12. To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
13. To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
14. To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
15. To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack.

    The sun checks timber.

16. To make a stop; to pause; with at.
17. To clash or interfere.
18. To act as a curb or restraint.
19. To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.

1. (usually pluralized) A pattern made up of a grid of squares of alternating colors; a checkered pattern.

   The tablecloth had red and white checks.

2. Any fabric woven with such a pattern.

verb

To mark with a check pattern.