Handkerchief

A linen handkerchief
A lace handkerchief
Morris dancers with handkerchiefs in Oxford

A handkerchief (/ˈhæŋkərɪf/; also called a hankie or, historically, a handkercher or a fogle[1]) is a form of a kerchief or bandanna, typically a hemmed square of thin fabric which can be carried in the pocket or handbag for personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one's hands or face, or blowing one's nose. A handkerchief is also sometimes used as a purely decorative accessory in the breast pocket of a suit; it can then be called a pocket square. A handkerchief is also an important accessory in many folk-dances in many regions like the Balkans and the Middle East; an example of a folk-dance featuring handkerchiefs is the Greek Kalamatianós.

  1. ^ "fogle". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.) - " fogle [...] slang. Now archaic. A handkerchief or neckerchief, usually made of silk."