chalk

chalk [chôk]

n.

[ME < OE cealc < L calx, lime, limestone: see CALCIUM]

1. a white, gray, or yellowish limestone that is soft, porous, and easily pulverized, composed almost entirely of calcite from minute sea shells

2. any substance like chalk in color, texture, etc.

3. a piece of chalk, often colored, used for drawing, writing on a blackboard, etc.

4. a mark or line made with chalk

5. Brit. a score or tally, as in a game or as of credit given

adj.

1. made or drawn with chalk

☆ 2. Horse Racing Slang

a) favored to win, place, or show

b) betting on favorites only

vt.

1. Brit. to treat with chalk; lime or fertilize (soil)

2. to rub or smear with chalk; specif., to rub chalk on the tip of (a billiard cue)

3. to make pale

4. to write, draw, or mark with chalk

vi.

to become chalky or powdery, as a painted surface

——————

chalk out

1. to mark out as with chalk

2. to outline; plan

——————

chalk up

1. to score, get, or achieve

2. to charge or credit

——————

not by a long chalk

[Brit. Informal] not by any means; not at all

——————

walk a chalk line

Informal to behave with strict propriety or obedience