He held the enemy's armies in check.    From Wordnet, Princeton University. 

Noun : This handmade sample is a check that the machine-made samples have to match. ,We made a quick check but found nothing missing. ,The increase of duty was an effective check on imports. He was a check on her enthusiasm. ,Taxation caused a check in the accumulation of vast fortunes. ,They ran a check on the dependability of the automobile. ,The king was in check. ,There were several checks in the paint.    From Dictionary.com. 

Adjective : a check system. ,a check border.    From Dictionary.com. 

Verb (used with object) : He checked the horse at the edge of the cliff. ,They built a high wall to check the tides. ,The new measures checked the rapidity with which the epidemic was spreading. ,She checked the copy against the original. ,We checked the files, but the letter was missing. ,Check a used car thoroughly before buying it. ,Please check the correct answer. They checked off the names of people they wanted to invite. ,Check your umbrellas at the door. ,We accept responsibility for any article we check here. ,We checked two trunks through to Portland. ,Check this trunk to Portland. ,to check fabric.    From Dictionary.com. 

Verb (used without object) : The reprint checks with the original, item for item. ,He checked to make sure his answer was correct. Check into the matter. ,The horse checked before he jumped. ,Painted surfaces may check with age.    From Dictionary.com.