handkerchief

hand-ker-chief · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small square piece of cloth, typically cotton or linen, used for wiping one's nose or face.

  2. 2.

    A decorative cloth square worn in a breast pocket as a fashion accessory.

Forms

plural: handkerchiefs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pocket handkerchief — A decorative handkerchief for a suit pocket
  • •
    wave a white handkerchief — To signal surrender or truce
  • •
    drop the handkerchief — To give a subtle romantic signal (historical)

Related words

See also: cloth, napkin, tissue
Synonyms: hankie, hanky, pocket square

Etymology

From hand + kerchief, where "kerchief" comes from Old French couvrechef ("cover head"), from couvrir ("to cover") + chef ("head"). Originally, a kerchief was a cloth covering for the head; a handkerchief was specifically one carried in the hand.