Why do people call a bill a check in a restaurant?

Question

Why do people call a bill a check in a restaurant?

Answer 1

so they can "check" out

Answer 2

I don't know but I know my brother asked for the check when he was traveling in Canada and the waitress thought he ordered hot chocolate.

Answer 3

I never thought about it.  Good question.  Sounds like something you could suggest to Hotforwords on youtube.  She studies the etymology of words that her viewers suggest.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=hotf...

Answer 4

A bill is more of what you owe in the sense of utilities or services that you require. A check is more like stating your finished business, before you leave:)

Answer 5

so you can check that they didn;t charge you anything extra. If satisfied you pay if not you go complain to someone in charge