In heraldry, divided into squares of alternating colors (usually metal and color); having a checkered pattern as a heraldic charge.
From 'chequer' (checkered pattern) with the heraldic adjective suffix '-y'. Specialized terminology in medieval heraldic blazoning to describe shield patterns and family crests.
A noble family with a 'chequy' coat of arms was basically saying their lineage was as strong and interconnected as a checkerboard—it was a status symbol in medieval Europe!
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