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accepted cheque
DCHP-3.1 (Oct 2026)
Spelling variants:accepted bank cheque
n. — Finance, rare
a certified cheque.
Type: 5. Frequency — The term accepted cheque is a Canadianism by virtue of frequency (see Chart 1). However, the term is rare today, as certified cheque has largely replaced it (for an exception, see the 2026 quotation).
Accepted check was in use in the US as early as the 1830s (see the 1832 quotation). The term would therefore qualify as a preservation in Canada were it not for the Canadian spelling cheque.
The term is not listed in OED-3 or in Merriam-Webster Unabridged.
Accepted check was in use in the US as early as the 1830s (see the 1832 quotation). The term would therefore qualify as a preservation in Canada were it not for the Canadian spelling cheque.
The term is not listed in OED-3 or in Merriam-Webster Unabridged.
Quotations
1832
[If any application shall be made to you to take these bets, pray notify me, and you shall have an accepted check for the money in 48 hours.]
1867
Receive from Express [...] nine thousand dollars, hold until Thursday, send accepted cheque, pay charges.
1886
Contractors are requested to bear in mind that an accepted bank cheque for the sum of $600 must accompany each tender.
1902
All tenders must be accompanied by an accepted Cheque or Express Order, in favour of the Commissioner of Public Works.
1930
Each tender must be accompanied by an accepted cheque on a chartered bank, payable to the order of the Minister of Public Works, equal to 10 per cent, of the amount of the tender.
1941
Each tender must be accompanied by an accepted cheque on any Canadian Chartered Bank for 10% of purchase price Should the tender be accepted the cheque will be geld by the Department until the undertaking is completed
1956
Tenders will not be considered unless made on form supplied by the Railway and accompanied by an accepted cheque drawn on a chartered bank in Canada in favour of Canadian National Railways, equal to five per cent of the total amount of the tender.
1969
The tender forms, plans and the specifications may be obtained from April 2nd, 1969 at the Engineer's office. A deposit of $20.00 in cash or accepted cheque shall be required for each tender and will not be refunded.
References
- OED-3
- Merriam-Webster Unabridged
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