exchequer
Translation
Exchequer, treasury
Examples
The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the budget.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the budget.
The project is a drain on the public exchequer.
The project is a drain on the public exchequer.
Grammar Patterns
the Exchequer the government department responsible for finance The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the budget.
the public exchequer the nation's public funds The project is a drain on the public exchequer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: treasury, coffers, public purse
Etymology
From Old French 'eschequier' meaning 'chessboard', as accounts were once calculated on a cloth with a squared pattern resembling a chessboard.
Memory Tips
Picture the Chancellor playing chess (on a 'checkerboard', which sounds like 'exchequer') with the nation's money.