These useful appendages to dress were certainly not in use with the
Greeks. The most ancient text wherein handkerchiefs are expressly
mentioned, describes them as long cloths, called _oraria_, used and worn
by senators “ad emungendum et exspuendum;” that use is said to have
grown out of the convenience of the _orarium_, which is supposed to have
been merely used at first to wave for applause in the public shows. Mr.
Fosbroke presumes it to have been the “swat-cloth” of the Anglo-Saxons;
for one called _mappula_ and _manipulus_ was then worn on the left side
to wipe the nose. In subsequent ages there was the _manuariolum_, one
carried in the hand during summer, on account of perspiration. Queen
Elizabeth wore handkerchiefs of party-coloured silk, or cambric, edged
with gold lace.
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