check

Where does the word "check" come from? It comes from Persian shah, passing through Vulgar Latin and Old French before entering English (c. 1300 - 1798).

Check’s story begins in Persian: shah meant “king.” Meant "king"; called out when the king piece was threatened in chess. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Vulgar Latin as scaccus. The term for chess spread into Europe through Arabic-mediated trade and translation. From there it passed into Old French as eschec by c. 1300. Named the move that threatened the king, and by extension any sudden stoppage. It reached English by c. 1300 - 1798 as check. Broadened from the chess term to "restraint" (1510s), a verification mark (1856), and a written bank order (1798). Today, check means a written order to a bank to pay money; also, a mark of verification, or a stoppage or restraint.

1. Stage 1 · Persian · ancient shah "king", meant "king"; called out when the king piece was threatened in chess.
2. Stage 2 · Vulgar Latin · medieval scaccus "chess", the term for chess spread into Europe through Arabic-mediated trade and translation.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · c. 1300 eschec "check at chess; stoppage", named the move that threatened the king, and by extension any sudden stoppage.
4. Stage 4 · English · c. 1300 - 1798 check "restraint, verification, bank draft", broadened from the chess term to "restraint" (1510s), a verification mark (1856), and a written bank order (1798).