handkerchief

noun

Etymology: From hand + kerchief.

1. A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.

   “He sneezed into his handkerchief during the meeting.”

   “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.