Although I agree with you on the definition, John, I'm suspect nobody but you and Howdy Herz (and may be Kregg) use the term 'check' to describe what most call a 'chip'. I'm afraid the battle is lost [g].

The term is correct because it derives from the action of "checking" something and receiving a "token" in return. You leave a $5 bill with the cage and get a "check" marked "good for $5" in return. Later, you can return and redeem your "check" for the item you checked. You leave your hat with the hat-check girl, and get a "check" in return. Later you surrender your check for your hat. Are there still hat-check girls, now that nobody wears a hat? Well, maybe a few of us still do [g].

DonL