cheque

cheque · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (British spelling) A written order directing a bank to pay a specified sum from the writer's account to a named person or organization.

  2. 2.

    The piece of paper on which such an order is written.

Forms

plural: cheques

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    blank cheque — a cheque with the amount left blank; (figurative) unlimited authority
  • •
    bounced cheque — a cheque that cannot be honored due to insufficient funds
  • •
    cheque book — a book containing blank cheques
  • •
    pay by cheque — to make payment using a cheque

Related words

See also: bank, check, money, payment
Synonyms: bank draft, check (American spelling)

Etymology

British spelling of check, from Old French eschec ("check" in chess), which came to mean a counter or token used in games. The financial meaning developed from the practice of using tokens to "check" or verify accounts.