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Webster 1913 Edition


Handkerchief

Hand′ker-chief

(hăṉ′kẽr-chĭf; 277)
,
Noun.
[
Hand
+
kerchief
.]
1.
A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face or hands.
2.
A piece of cloth shaped like a handkerchief to be worn about the neck; a neckerchief; a neckcloth.

Webster 1828 Edition


Handkerchief

HAND'KERCHIEF

,
Noun.
[hand and kerchief. See Kerchief.]
1.
A piece of cloth, usually silk or linen, carried about the person for the purpose of cleaning the face or hands, as occasion requires.
2.
A piece of cloth to be worn about the neck, and sometimes called a neckerchief.

Definition 2024


handkerchief

handkerchief

English

Alternative forms

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.

Translations

Synonyms