napkin

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   garment consisting of a folded cloth drawn up between the legs and fastened at the waist

2. 2
   noun

   a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing

3. 3
   noun

   A serviette; a (usually rectangular) piece of cloth or paper used at the table for wiping the mouth and hands for cleanliness while eating.

4. 4
   noun

   A nappy (UK), a diaper (American).

5. 5
   noun

   A small scarf worn on the head by Christian women (chiefly Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox) when entering a church, as a token of modesty.

6. 6
   noun

   Ellipsis of sanitary napkin.

Etymology

From Middle English napkyn, equivalent to nape (“cloth”) + -kin.