Handkerchief
/ˈhænd.kə.tʃiːf/noun
A small square of cloth carried for wiping the nose or face.
Did you know?The word is a historical blend of English hand + Old French couvrechief, a “head-covering,” showing how everyday objects can hide layers of language contact and social status.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hand
“hand”
Old French
OF
couvrechief
“head covering, veil”
Middle English
ME
handkercher / hankercher
“a cloth carried in the hand or used for wiping”
16th Century
English
handkerchief
“a small cloth for the nose or face”
Modern English
English
handkerchief
“a small square of cloth carried for personal use”