chalk

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cealc, from Latin calc-, calx lime; akin to Greek chalix pebble Date: before 12th century 1. a. a soft white, gray, or buff limestone composed chiefly of the shells of foraminifers b. a prepared form of chalk or a material resembling chalk especially when used (as for writing on blackboards) as a crayon 2. a. a mark made with chalk b. British a point scored in a game • chalky adjective II. verb Date: 1580 transitive verb 1. to write or draw with chalk 2. to rub or mark with chalk <

chalk a pool cue

> 3. a. to delineate roughly ; sketch <

chalk out a plan of attack

> b. to set down or add up with or as if with chalk ; record — usually used with up <

chalk up the totals

> intransitive verb to become chalky <

the paint had begun to chalk

>