hankies
Pocket tissue squares
Hankies is the informal plural of handkerchief—a small square of cloth or paper used for wiping the nose or dabbing at tears.
The diminutive form suggests either affection or casualness: I always keep a few hankies in my purse.
In older usage, a hanky might be waved in farewell or dropped flirtatiously to attract attention.
Ornamented with sewn designs
- laceOpen-weave ornamental fabric
- monogrammedMarked with personal initials
- paisleyCurved teardrop textile motif
- floralOf or like blooms
crocheted · tatted · edged · trimmed · initialed · scalloped · appliqued · cutwork
Plant fiber for textiles
- linenFlax-derived textile
- silkFine woven insect fiber
- muslinPlain-woven cotton cloth
- fabricWoven or knit material
textile · cambric · batiste · lawn · square · hemmed · folded · pocket
Shedding tears audibly
- tearsViolent pulls apart
- cryingEmotional tear release
- dabbingLight, repeated pressing
- snifflingRepeated nasal inhalation
sobbing · mourning · funeral · grief · sadness · consoling · emotional · handy
Female ancestors, twice removed
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- keepsakeItem preserved for sentiment
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
- sentimentalExcessively emotional about memories
vintage · antique · treasured · inherited · memory · trousseau · bygone · retro
embroidered
Ornamented with sewn designs
- laceOpen-weave ornamental fabric
- monogrammedMarked with personal initials
- paisleyCurved teardrop textile motif
floral · crocheted · tatted · edged · trimmed · initialed · scalloped · appliqued · cutwork · ornate
cotton
Plant fiber for textiles
fabric · textile · cambric · batiste · lawn · square · hemmed · folded · pocket · white
weeping
Shedding tears audibly
sniffling · sobbing · mourning · funeral · grief · sadness · consoling · emotional · handy · clutched
grandmothers
Female ancestors, twice removed
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- keepsakeItem preserved for sentiment
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
sentimental · vintage · antique · treasured · inherited · memory · trousseau · bygone · retro · classic
tissues
Soft disposable paper sheets
flu · allergies · reusable · washable · sanitary · clean · fresh · laundered · absorbent · disposable
accessory
Supplementary addition
- dapperNeatly and stylishly dressed
- sartorialConcerning clothes and tailoring
- coordinatedArranged to work together
silk · folded · menswear · dandy · gentleman · ensemble · tailored · haberdashery · bespoke · formal