kerchief

/ˈkʌrtʃɪf/

/ˈkʌtʃɪf/

Other forms: kerchiefs

A kerchief is a small piece of fabric, usually folded into a triangle, that's worn around the neck or tied around the head. Your nephew might insist on wearing his red kerchief and cowboy boots everyday to preschool.

Another word for a kerchief is a bandana. While some people wear them as protection from the sun or to cover their hair for religious reasons, many kerchief wearers simply like the style. The word comes from an Old French root, couvrechief, which literally means "cover head," from a combination of couvrir, "cover," and chief, "head." Related words include neckerchief and handkerchief.

Definitions of kerchief

1. noun

   a square scarf that is folded into a triangle and worn over the head or about the neck
   types:

   headscarf

   a kerchief worn over the head and tied under the chin

   neckerchief

   a kerchief worn around the neck

   babushka

   a woman's headscarf folded into a triangle and tied under the chin; worn by Russian peasant women

   hijab

   a headscarf worn by Muslim women; conceals the hair and neck and usually has a face veil that covers the face

   khimar

   a headscarf worn by observant Muslim women that hangs down to just above the waist

   type of:

   scarf

   a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration