mouchoir

handkerchief, tissue

noun moo-SHWAR Less Common

Usage Note

Mouchoir derives from moucher ('to blow one's nose') and refers to both fabric handkerchiefs and paper tissues. Un mouchoir en papier is a paper tissue (like a Kleenex). The idiom dans un mouchoir de poche ('in a pocket handkerchief') means 'neck and neck' or 'very tightly contested' in a race or competition.

Examples

"Elle a sorti un mouchoir de sa poche pour essuyer ses larmes."

Natural Translation

She took a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe her tears.

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