Definition of hank

The origin of the word "hank" can be traced back to the Old English language, where it was spelled "hæncan". This Old English word had two main meanings: a handkerchief made of linen or silk, and a bend or curve in a river. The usage of "hank" for a handkerchief can be dated back to the 14th century, but its specific origins are unclear. Some scholars believe that it may have originally referred to a piece of cloth used to bind or enclose something, such as a bundle of goods. Over time, this meaning evolved to include handkerchiefs, as they were often wrapped or folded in a similar way. The two meanings of "hank" became closely linked during the Middle Ages when linen and silk were both expensive and highly valued materials. Linen and silk items, including handkerchiefs, were often tightly twisted and wound into braid-like shapes called 'hencels' or 'hencows', which could then be wound and sold as handkerchiefs. The connection between "hank" meaning a bend in a river and a handkerchief is unclear and may be coincidental. In summary, the word "hank" has an interesting past, having evolved from an Old English word for both a bend in a river and a piece of twined linen or silk. Its usage for handkerchiefs dates back to the 14th century, and its etymology remains somewhat uncertain.