hand·ker·chief (h?ng?k?r-ch?f, -ch?f?)n. pl. hand·ker·chiefs also hand·ker·chieves (-ch?vz, -ch?vz?) 1. A small square of cloth used especially for wiping the nose or mouth.2. A large piece of cloth worn as a decorative article; a scarf.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.handkerchief (?hæ?k?t??f; -t?i?f) n (Clothing & Fashion) a small square of soft absorbent material, such as linen, silk, or soft paper, carried and used to wipe the nose, etcCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014hand?ker?chief (?hæ? k?r t??f, -?t?if) n. 1. a small piece of fabric, usu. square, used for wiping the nose, eyes, etc., or worn as an accessory. 2. a neckerchief or kerchief. [1520?30] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.