chequer

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun one of the flat round pieces used in playing the game of checkers
  2. verb mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on
  3. verb variegate with different colors, shades, or patterns

Etymology

See checker. (fruit): Apparently in allusion to the chequered or spotted appearance of the fruit. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “the surmises that chequer may be a corruption of choker, and that ‘choker’ may once have been the name, are gratuitous.”

In classic literature

Synonyms

checker

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