Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.