Handkerchief

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Look up handkerchief in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

A handkerchief (/ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/; 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.