handkerchief

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English[edit]

English Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia
Linen handkerchief

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From hand +‎ kerchief.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhæŋkətʃiːf/, /ˈhæŋkətʃɪf/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈheɪŋkɚt͡ʃɪf/, /ˈhæŋkɚt͡ʃɪf/
  • (file)
  • (file)

Noun[edit]

handkerchief (plural handkerchiefs or handkerchieves)

  1. A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.
    • 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 5, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad[1]:
      Mr. Banks’ panama hat was in one hand, while the other drew a handkerchief across his perspiring brow.
  2. A piece of cloth shaped like a handkerchief to be worn about the neck; a neckerchief or neckcloth.

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