Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—C

Chess

Called by the Hindus cheturanga (the four angas)— i.e. the four members of the army- viz. elephants, horses, chariots, and foot-soldiers; called by the ancient Persians chetrang. The Arabs, who have neither c nor g, called it shetranj, which modern Persians corrupted into sacchi, whence the Italian scacchi, German schach, French echec, our chess. (See page 242, Checkmate)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Chesterfield
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