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Webster 1913 Edition

(kr?-v?t′)

Noun.

[F.

cravate

, fr.

Cravate

a Croat, an inhabitant of Croatia, one of a body of Austrian troops, from whom, in 1636, this article of dress was adopted in France.]

A neckcloth; a piece of silk, fine muslin, or other cloth, worn by men about the neck.

While his wig was combed and his

cravat

tied.

Macaulay.

Noun.

A neck-cloth; a piece of fine muslin or other cloth worn by men about the neck.

cravat ‎(plural cravats)

A wide fabric band worn as a necktie by men, having long ends hanging in front; like an ascot tie.
- 1906, Stanley J[ohn] Weyman, chapter I, in Chippinge Borough, New York, N.Y.: McClure, Phillips & Co., OCLC 580270828:
  It was April 22, 1831, and a young man was walking down Whitehall in the direction of Parliament Street. He wore shepherd's plaid trousers and the swallow-tail coat of the day, with a figured muslin cravat wound about his wide-spread collar.

wide fabric band