cravat

Etymology

From French cravate, an appellative use of Cravate (“Croat”), from Dutch Krawaat, from German Krawatte, from Serbo-Croatian Hr̀vāt/Хр̀ва̄т (“Croat”). The cravat is regarded as originating from a linen scarf worn by Croatian mercenaries which was adopted into French fashion in the 17th century.

noun

1. A wide fabric band worn as a necktie by men having long ends hanging in front.
2. (historical) A decorative fabric band or scarf worn around the neck by women.
3. (surgery) A bandage resembling a cravat, particularly a triangular bandage folded into a strip.

verb

1. (transitive, rare) To adorn with a cravat; to tie a cravat, or something resembling a cravat, around the neck.