A pattern of alternating squares or checks, or the act of creating such a pattern; also decorative cross-hatching.
From 'checker' (a checkered pattern) plus '-ing' (gerund suffix). Used since the 16th century for both the pattern itself and the process of creating it.
Medieval craftsmen used checkering to decorate everything from armor to manuscripts—it was a status symbol because creating perfect checks required serious skill and time.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.