handkerchief

• handkercher (obsolete)
• hanky (informal)

From hand +‎ kerchief.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈhæŋkətʃiːf/, /ˈhæŋkətʃɪf/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈhæŋkɚtʃɪf/

• Audio (US)

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• Audio (UK)

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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:

     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.

• hanky
• pocket handkerchief