Dictionary

Handkerchief

Easton's Dictionary

Only once in Authorized Version (Acts 19:12). The Greek word (sudarion) so rendered means properly “a sweat-cloth.” It is rendered “napkin” in John 11:44; 20:7; Luke 19:20.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

han'-ker-chif (soudarion): A loan-word from the Latin sudarium, found in plural in Ac 19:12, soudaria; compare sudor, "perspiration"; literally, "a cloth used to wipe off perspiration." Elsewhere it is rendered "napkin" (Lu 19:20; Joh 11:44; 20:7), for which see DRESS; NAPKIN.