Resembling a checkerboard pattern; having alternating squares of contrasting colors or tones.
From French 'damier' (chessboard), derived from 'dame' (lady), because the dame in chess moves across checkerboard squares. The term was borrowed into English to describe similar geometric patterns.
The French word 'damier' comes from the chess piece 'dame' because early chess designs featured these striking checkerboard patterns—fabric and fashion designers still use this term for houndstooth and checkered fabrics!
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