In the manner or pattern of a chequer; in alternating or intersecting directions like the squares on a chequered board.
From 'chequer' plus the directional suffix '-wise' (meaning in the direction or manner of). A compositional formation common in Middle English for spatial or directional descriptions.
This word reminds us that '-wise' used to be way more productive in English—people used to say 'lengthwise,' 'clockwise,' and many other -wise combinations freely!
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