neckcloth (nekkloth)

A folded cloth worn around the neck as a band or cravat; an article of dre which replaced the ruff and falling band, and formed a marked feature in the fashionable dre of men in the reign of Louis XIV. Throughout the seventeenth century the ends were commonly of lace and fell over the breast. (See steinkirk.) Later, and down to about 1820, the neck-cloth was plain and composed of fine white linen. The loose neck - cloth had long pendent ends terminating in lace, if it was not entirely made of that material. IMG:content-1261.png:[blocks in formation] When you hear the drum, And the vile squealing of the wry- neck'd fife. Shak ., M. of V., ii. 5. 30.