Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Kerchiefs"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Kerchief \Ker"chief\, n.; pl. {Kerchiefs}. [OE. coverchef, OF.
cuevrechief, couvrechef, F. couvrechef, a head covering, fr.
couvrir to cover + OF. chief head, F. chef. See {Cover},
{Chief}, and cf. {Curfew}.]
1. A square of fine linen worn by women as a covering for the
head; hence, anything similar in form or material, worn
for ornament on other parts of the person; -- mostly used
in compounds; as, neckerchief; breastkerchief; and later,
handkerchief.
He might put on a hat, a muffler, and a kerchief,
and so escape. --Shak.
Her black hair strained away To a scarlet kerchief
caught beneath her chin. --Mrs.
Browning.
2. A lady who wears a kerchief. --Dryden.
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