n. & v. (also checker)
n. 1 (often in pl.) a pattern of squares often alternately coloured. 2 (in pl.) (usu. as checkers) US the game of draughts.
v.tr. 1 mark with chequers. 2 variegate; break the uniformity of. 3 (as chequered adj.) with varied fortunes (a chequered career). chequer-board 1 a chessboard. 2 a pattern resembling it.
[ ME f. EXCHEQUER ]