from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bandanna \Ban*dan"na\, Bandana \Ban*dan"a\, n. [Hind.
b[=a]ndhn[=u] a mode of dyeing in which the cloth is tied in
different places so as to prevent the parts tied from
receiving the dye. Cf. {Band}, n.]
1. A species of silk or cotton handkerchief, having a
uniformly dyed ground, usually of red or blue, with white
or yellow figures of a circular, lozenge, or other simple
form; -- it is often used as a neckerchief. The term is
also used for any large and brightly colored handkerchief.
[1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]
2. Hence: Any scarf worn on the neck or head, usually of
large size.
[PJC]
3. A style of calico printing, in which white or bright spots
are produced upon cloth previously dyed of a uniform red
or dark color, by discharging portions of the color by
chemical means, while the rest of the cloth is under
pressure. --Ure.
[1913 Webster]