Chequer

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈt͡ʃɛkə/

Definitions

1. A design consisting of a grid where contrasting squares alternate, commonly seen in various artistic decorations
2. A layout featuring squares of different colors that are arranged in a regular pattern, prevalent in board games
3. A design made up of squares in alternating colors arranged in an organized pattern ; A single square token used as a playing piece in games like checkers

Etymology: The word "chequer" has two distinct histories, and the one most readers know, the pattern of squares, is the more surprising of the two. It comes from "checker," which in turn descends from the Old French "eschequier," the board used for playing chess, itself rooted in the Persian "shah" (king), a link that passes through Arabic and the game's medieval spread across Europe. The squared board gave its name to the pattern, and the spelling "chequer" is simply the British variant that kept the older form. A separate noun, meaning a citrus-like fruit, has an unrelated and much murkier origin. Its name is thought to refer to the fruit's chequered or spotted appearance, but the Oxford English Dictionary regards the suggestion that it is a corruption of "choker" as gratuitous, so that idea can be set aside.

Synonyms: checker, pattern