Main Entry:

ker·chief

Pronunciation:

\ˈkər-chəf, -ˌchēf\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural kerchiefs \-chəfs, -ˌchēfs\ also ker·chieves \-ˌchēvz\

Etymology:

Middle English courchef, from Anglo-French coverchef, cuerchief, from coverir to cover + chef head — more at chief

Date:

13th century

1 : a square of cloth used as a head covering or worn as a scarf around the neck 2 : handkerchief 1

— ker·chiefed \-chəft, -ˌchēft\ adjective