Napkin

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Napkin \Nap"kin\, n. [Dim. of OF. nape a tablecloth, cloth, F.
     nappe, L. mappa. See {Napery}.]
     1. A little towel, made of cloth or paper, esp. one for
        wiping the fingers and mouth at table.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. A handkerchief. [Obs.] --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {Napkin pattern}. See {Linen scroll}, under {Linen}. --
        {Napkin ring}, a ring of metal, ivory, or other material,
        used to inclose a table napkin.
  
     {paper napkin}, a napkin made of paper, intended to be
        disposed of after use.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  napkin
       n 1: to protect clothing; wipe mouth [syn: {table napkin}, {serviette}]
       2: garment consisting of a folded cloth drawn up between the
          legs and fastened at the waist; worn by infants to catch
          excrement [syn: {diaper}, {nappy}]

From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:

  Napkin
     (Gr. soudarion, John 11:44; 20:7; Lat. sudarium, a
     "sweat-cloth"), a cloth for wiping the sweat from the face. But
     the word is used of a wrapper to fold money in (Luke 19:20), and
     as an article of dress, a "handkerchief" worn on the head (Acts
     19:12).