handkerchief Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory
    hanky; hankey; hankie.

WordNet

Hand"ker*chief noun
Etymology
Hand + kerchief.
Definitions
  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 1913