cheque etymology

Etymology:

The word "cheque" originates from the Middle French word "eschec," which means "check." It ultimately derives from the Persian word "shah," meaning "king," through Arabic.

Meaning:

A cheque is a written order directing a bank to pay a specified sum of money from the drawer's account to the payee. It is a type of negotiable instrument.

Origin:

The concept of a cheque as a payment method can be traced back to ancient times. However, the modern form of the cheque emerged in the 17th century in England.

In 1640, London goldsmiths began accepting deposits from customers and issuing receipts acknowledging the deposit. These receipts could be transferred to other parties, who could then present them to the goldsmith for payment. Over time, these receipts became known as "goldsmith's notes" and evolved into the cheques we use today.

The Bank of England introduced the first standardized cheque form in 1717, which helped to establish the cheque as a widely accepted payment method.

Usage:

Cheques are used in many countries around the world as a convenient and secure way to make payments. However, their use has declined in recent decades due to the rise of electronic payment methods, such as credit cards and debit cards.

cheque relate terms

  • check

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense

  • shah

    Etymology The word shah comes from the Middle Persian word šāh 𐭱𐭠𐭧 whi

  • checkmate

    Etymology The word checkmate is derived from the Persian phrase shāh māt شاه م

  • exchequer

    Etymology French échiquier chessboard from Medieval Latin scaccarium from Late

  • endorse

    Etymology End Latin prefix Within to put in Dorsum Latin Back Meaning

  • ward

    Etymology The word ward originates from the Old English word wearde meaning watchma

  • draw

    Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words étymon which means tr

  • draft

    Etymology Draft derives from the Middle English word draught which in turn comes fro

  • takeout

    Etymology Take verb Middle English taken from Old English tacan meaning to se

  • kite

    Etymology The word kite comes from the Middle English word kite which itself is der

  • bank

    Etymology The word bank has its origins in the Italian word banco which means benc

  • vernacular

    Vernacular Etymology Meaning A folk or common sense etymology that is not based on histo