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
A kerchief is a piece of cloth that you can wear on your head or round your neck. a square piece of cloth, worn on the head or around the neck (cuevrechief, from covrir + chief )