(Gr. soudarion, John 11:44; 20:7; Lat. sudarium, a “sweat-cloth”), a cloth for wiping the sweat from the face. But the word is used of a wrapper to fold money in (Luke 19:20), and as an article of dress, a “handkerchief” worn on the head (Acts 19:12).
BIBLE DICTIONARY + WORD STUDY
Napkin
Historical dictionary entry
Scripture references
Source: Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897). Historical dictionary wording reflects the scholarship and language of its era.