HANDKERCHIEF Definition & Meaning

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handkerchief

[ hang-ker-chif, -cheef ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

a small piece of linen, silk, or other fabric, usually square, and used especially for wiping one's nose, eyes, face, etc., or for decorative purposes.
a neckerchief or kerchief.

handkerchief

/ ˈhæŋkətʃɪf; -tʃiːf /

a small square of soft absorbent material, such as linen, silk, or soft paper, carried and used to wipe the nose, etc

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First recorded in 1520–30; hand + kerchief

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Examples have not been reviewed.

Others shake their heads, fold handkerchiefs to their faces and look away.

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A piece of card and a handkerchief was then placed between them.

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The large, angled handkerchief is a subtle formal echo of the drapery opening diagonally above Mariana’s head.

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“We had the most matching socks and handkerchiefs — all the details.”

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Her mother waved a white handkerchief as they walked, “because the planes were constantly flying overhead” and “so we’d be recognized as civilians.”

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