exchequer
UK: ɪksˈtʃekə | US: ˈɛksˌtʃɛkɚ
n. 1. A treasury or financial department, especially of a state or royal institution.
n. 2. (Historical) The former English court responsible for revenue collection and financial affairs.
exchequer = ex<out> + chequer<check>
- ex (Latin, meaning "out")
- chequer (Old French eschequier, from eschec "check," referring to a checkered cloth used for accounting)
Etymology Origin:
The word exchequer originates from the medieval Latin scaccarium, meaning "chessboard." It refers to the checkered tablecloth used by English royal officials to calculate revenues and taxes, symbolizing financial oversight. Over time, exchequer evolved to denote the treasury itself, reflecting its role in fiscal management.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer oversees the UK's economic policies.
Medieval kings relied on the exchequer to manage royal finances.
Funds were audited at the exchequer before being allocated.
The term "exchequer" still appears in modern British government titles.
Historical records show meticulous accounting practices in the exchequer.