chekker

noun

chek·​ker

ˈchekə(r)

plural -s

: a stringed keyboard instrument of the 14th and 15th centuries

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French, corresponding to Continental Middle French eschequier, eschaquier, probably the same word as Anglo-French cheker, escheker, Continental Middle French eschequier "chessboard, counting board, table with a checkered top"; presumably so called from the resemblance of the instrument to such a board

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