I think it was an analogy to saying en guarde when swordfighting. Just stabbing someone didn't seem chivalrous, so you had to give your opponent notice. Early chessplayers were just dazzled by the complexities in the game. They didn't just want to take someone's queen; they wanted to have a lively game. So they warned the opponent that the queen was in danger. It was all a part of pretending that chess was part of chivalry. If you were a chessplayer you were a gentleman and you tried not to take unseemly advantage of major oversights of your friends. Note that many people say "check" when threatening the king, and people don't usually think that is dumb.
Why should I accept a draw?
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who cares if someone offers a draw or says check or whatever its their right and we dont have the right to tell them they cant. and they also have the right to use up all their time. Just get another beer while youre waiting cause obviously you had been drinking when you made this post or replied long to it