'To take check' definitions:

Definition of 'To take check'

From: GCIDE
  • Check \Check\ (ch[e^]k), n. [OE. chek, OF. eschec, F. ['e]chec, a stop, hindrance, orig. check in the game of chess, pl. ['e]checs chess, through Ar., fr. Pers. sh[=a]h king. See Shah, and cf. Checkmate, Chess, Checker.]
  • 1. (Chess) 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check. [1913 Webster]
  • Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress of Christianity. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • No check, no stay, this streamlet fears. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff. [1913 Webster]
  • Useful check upon the administration of government. --Washington. [1913 Webster]
  • A man whom no check could abash. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See Bank check, below. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. (Falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds. [1913 Webster]
  • 8. Small chick or crack. [1913 Webster]
  • Bank check, a written order on a banker or broker to pay money in his keeping belonging to the signer.
  • Check book, a book containing blank forms for checks upon a bank.
  • Check hook, a hook on the saddle of a harness, over which a checkrein is looped.
  • Check list, a list or catalogue by which things may be verified, or on which they may be checked.
  • Check nut (Mech.), a secondary nut, screwing down upon the primary nut to secure it. --Knight.
  • Check valve (Mech.), a valve in the feed pipe of a boiler, or other conduit, to prevent the return of the feed water or other fluid.
  • To take check, to take offense. [Obs.] --Dryden.
  • Syn: Hindrance; setback; interruption; obstruction; reprimand; censure; rebuke; reproof; repulse; rebuff; tally; counterfoil; counterbalance; ticket; draft. [1913 Webster]