exchequer

American  

[eks-chek-er, iks-chek-er] / ˈɛks tʃɛk ər, ɪksˈtʃɛk ər /

noun

1. a treasury, as of a state or nation.

2. (in Great Britain)

   1. (often initial capital letter) the governmental department in charge of the public revenues.

   2. (formerly) an office administering the royal revenues and determining all cases affecting them.

   3. Also called Court of Exchequer.  (initial capital letter) an ancient common-law court of civil jurisdiction in which cases affecting the revenues of the crown were tried, now merged in the King's Bench Division of the High Court.

3. Informal. one's financial resources; funds.

   I'd love to go, but the exchequer is a bit low.

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exchequer ¹ British  

/ ɪksˈtʃɛkə /

noun

1. (often capital) government (in Britain and certain other countries) the accounting department of the Treasury, responsible for receiving and issuing funds

2. informal personal funds; finances

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Exchequer ² British  

/ ɪksˈtʃɛkə /

noun

1. See Court of Exchequer

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Etymology

Origin of exchequer

1250–1300; Middle English escheker, eschequier < Anglo-French escheker, eschekier ( Old French eschequier ) chessboard, counting table. See checker ¹

Example Sentences

He also held a junior Treasury role as exchequer secretary, under Theresa May.

From BBC

"Her dad was chancellor of the exchequer - it's a hard line to walk, but she's also very relatable."

From BBC

Budget days used to be symbolised by the chancellor of the exchequer smiling and holding aloft the famous Red Box outside Number 11.

From BBC

In 2015 he was health secretary, and later held other government posts, including chancellor of the exchequer and foreign secretary.

From BBC

The chancellor of the exchequer warned of "necessary choices" as Britain struggles with high debt and inflation.

From Barron's

Related Words

• gift
• money
• prize
• reward
• wealth