Handkerchief \Hand"ker*chief\ (h[a^]n"k[~e]r*ch[i^]f; 277), n. [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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)