The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
      [1913 Webster]

            He might put on a hat, a muffler, and a kerchief,
            and so escape.                        --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            Her black hair strained away
            To a scarlet kerchief caught beneath her chin.
                                                  --Mrs.
                                                  Browning.
      [1913 Webster]

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

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

kerchief
    n 1: a square scarf that is folded into a triangle and worn over
         the head or about the neck

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary:

Kerchief
   mentioned only Ezek. 13:18, 21, as an article of apparel or
   ornament applied to the head of the idolatrous women of Israel.
   The precise meaning of the word is uncertain. It appears to have
   been a long loose shawl, such as Oriental women wrap themselves
   in (Ruth 3:15; Isa. 3:22). Some think that it was a long veil or
   head-dress, denoting by its form the position of those who wore
   it.