cheque
UK: tʃek | US: tʃek
n. a written order to a bank to pay a stated sum from the drawer's account
n. (historical) a counterfoil or receipt
The word "cheque" originated as a variant of "check," derived from Old French "eschec" (meaning "check" in chess, later extended to financial control). The spelling "cheque" emerged in British English under French influence in the 18th century to distinguish the financial instrument from other meanings of "check." The root reflects the idea of verification (like a chess move being checked) applied to monetary transactions.
She paid the bill with a handwritten cheque.
The bank rejected the cheque due to insufficient funds.
He keeps a record of every cheque he issues.
Traveller's cheques are less common in the digital age.
The company requires payment by cheque or bank transfer.