A small piece of cloth carried in a pocket or bag, used for wiping the face, nose, or eyes.
From 'hand' plus an archaic term related to 'kerchief' (from Old French 'couvre-chef' meaning 'head covering'). The compound combines 'hand' with a cloth word, originally referring to a decorative head covering, then shifting to a small cloth item.
Before modern tissues existed, carrying a handkerchief was so essential that it became a symbol of respectability and civilization—writers often mention characters offering handkerchiefs in emotional moments, making it a tiny object loaded with social meaning!
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