Bruce Napier wrote: > > Actually, it turns out the "...que" spelling is English affectation. > The original cheques/checks were issued by counter staff from a book > which had symmetrical curlicues either side of the perforation between > the counterfoil and check/cheque. > > When the document was presented, they checked its authenticity by > comparing the edge to the counterfoil. Hence they came to be called > checks, later Frenchified to "cheque". > > I'm grateful to you for giving me the chance (as I thought someone > would) to show off this useless piece of info!
I heard that recently, and was surprised; I'd always assumed it came from exchequer which - of course - is spelled with a 'q'. "Check please!"
