cravat

Meanings

Noun

• A wide fabric band worn as a necktie by men having long ends hanging in front.
• A decorative fabric band or scarf worn around the neck by women.
• A bandage resembling a cravat, particularly a triangular bandage folded into a strip.

Verb

• To adorn with a cravat; to tie a cravat, or something resembling a cravat, around the neck.

Related

Narrower meaning words

• ascot, ascot tie

Origin

• From French cravate, an appellative use of Cravate, from Dutch Krawaat, from German Krawatte, from Serbo-Croatian Hr̀vāt/Хр̀ва̄т. The cravat is regarded as originating from a linen scarf worn by Croatian mercenaries which was adopted into French fashion in the 17th century.