handkerchief

Etymology

From hand + kerchief.

noun

1. A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.
   Mr. Banks’ panama hat was in one hand, while the other drew a handkerchief across his perspiring brow. 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 5, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad
2. A piece of cloth shaped like a handkerchief to be worn about the neck; a neckerchief or neckcloth.