Scarf

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /skɑːf/

Definitions

1. An elongated piece of cloth used decoratively or for warmth around the neck, as well as the act of consuming food or beverages rapidly and ravenously
2. A slender, often colorful textile accessory worn to enhance appearance or provide warmth while simultaneously describing the rapid ingestion of food or drink
3. A long piece of fabric worn around the neck for warmth or style ; to consume food or drink very rapidly

Etymology: Medieval pilgrims carried a pouch on a strap slung around the neck, and the French called it an "escharpe." The English word most likely descends from Old Northern French "escarpe" and Old French "escharpe," which meant this pilgrim's purse. Over time the sense moved from the bag to the strap that carried it, and then to the cloth worn around the neck. "Scrip," the name for the same kind of pilgrim's bag, is a doublet of this word, having reached English by a separate route from the same source. A northern origin has also been proposed. Old Norse "skarfr" is suggested as a possible source, though its own origin is uncertain and may be linked to "skera," meaning "to cut." The verb, meaning to wrap or cover with a cloth, was derived from the noun.

Synonyms: wrap, shawl