What is "kerchiefs"

Kerchief \Ker"chief\, n.; pl. Kerchiefs. [OE. coverchef, OF. cuevrechief, couvrechef, F. couvrechef, a head covering, fr. couvrir to cover + OF. chief head, F. chef. See Cover, Chief, and cf. Curfew.]

1. A square of fine linen worn by women as a covering for the head; hence, anything similar in form or material, worn for ornament on other parts of the person; -- mostly used in compounds; as, neckerchief; breastkerchief; and later, handkerchief.

   He might put on a hat, a muffler, and a kerchief, and so escape.
   --Shak.

   Her black hair strained away To a scarlet kerchief caught beneath her chin.
   --Mrs. Browning.

2. A lady who wears a kerchief.
   --Dryden.

n. (plural of kerchief English)