noun /ˈhæŋkətʃɪf,ˈhæŋkɚtʃɪf/
a) A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.
b) A piece of cloth shaped like a handkerchief to be worn about the neck; a neckerchief or neckcloth.
Wikipedia foundation.