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.

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

2. A lady who wears a kerchief. Dryden.

• (old-fashioned:) a piece of cloth used to cover the head
       
• 1823: Clement Clark Moore, The Night Before Christmas - And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, / Had just settled down for a long winter's nap...