I. ˈkərchə̇]f, ˈkə̄ch-, ˈkəich-, -ˌchē] noun
( plural kerchiefs also ker·chieves ]fs, ]vz; see pl at handkerchief )
Etymology: Middle English courchef, kerchef, coverchief, from Old French cuevrechief, couvrechef, cuerchief, from covrir to cover + chief, chef head — more at cover , chief
1.
a. : a square of cloth worn usually folded by women as a head covering
b. : a similar cloth worn about the neck or shoulders
2. : handkerchief 1
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to put a kerchief over
kerchiefed her hair before going out into the rain