English

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Linen handkerchief

Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From hand +‎ kerchief.

Pronunciation

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  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhæŋkətʃiːf/, /ˈhæŋkətʃɪf/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈheɪŋkɚt͡ʃɪf/, /ˈhæŋkɚt͡ʃɪf/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Audio (UK):(file)

Noun

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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[1]:
      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.

Synonyms

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Hyponyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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