kerchief Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a square scarf that is folded into a triangle and worn over the head or about the neck

WordNet

Ker"chief noun
Etymology
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.
Wordforms
plural Kerchiefs
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913