handkerchief

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English

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Linen handkerchief

Alternative forms

Etymology

From hand +‎ kerchief.

Pronunciation

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

Noun

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:
      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.

Synonyms

Hyponyms

Derived terms

Translations

cloth to be worn about the neck — see neckerchief
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