kerchief

American  

[kur-chif, -cheef] / ˈkɜr tʃɪf, -tʃif /

noun

1. a woman's square scarf worn as a covering for the head or sometimes the shoulders.

2. a handkerchief.

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kerchief British  

/ ˈkɜːtʃɪf /

noun

1. a piece of cloth worn tied over the head or around the neck

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Other Word Forms

• kerchiefed adjective
• kerchieft adjective

Etymology

Origin of kerchief

1250–1300; Middle English kerchef, syncopated variant of keverchef < Old French cuevrechef literally, (it) covers (the) head. See cover, chief

Example Sentences

So did the chairman, from behind his bandit’s kerchief.

From Literature

As a gesture of true camaraderie, they grin and untie their own blue pañuelos and tie these kerchiefs around our necks.

From Salon

Some 1,500 young Zapatistas donning uniforms — black balaclavas, green caps and red kerchiefs — stood in formation listening to speeches early Monday.

From Seattle Times

Some 1,500 young Zapatistas donning uniforms - black balaclavas, green caps and red kerchiefs - stood in formation listening to speeches early Monday.

From Washington Times

Warner does a masterful job restoring the screen-bursting gem giving the period costuming a new life with its collection of worn leather, finely buffed boots, 10-gallon hats, colorful kerchiefs, shiny belt buckles and bullet belts.

From Washington Times