Check'mate1, n.
n. [Fr. échec et mat, Ger. Schach-matt, from Per. shah mat, checkmate, literally the king is conquered or dead, from Ar. mâta, he died, is dead; because, when the king is made prisoner, the game is finished. See CHESS.]
- The movement in the game of chess which stops all further moving, and ends the game.
- A complete check, defeat, or overthrow; circumvention. Spenser.