Chequer

/ˈtʃɛkər/ noun, verb

Definition

A pattern of alternating squares of different colors; to mark or divide into a checkered pattern, or to vary repeatedly between different states.

Etymology

From Old French 'eschequier' (chessboard, exchequer), derived from 'eschec' (check, from Persian 'chekk'). The pattern comes from the chessboard design used in medieval tax collection.

Kelly Says

The chessboard pattern wasn't just decorative—it was literally used on the Exchequer table where medieval English tax collectors counted money in rows and columns!

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