Probably from Old Northern French escarpe 'pilgrim's sash,' entering English in the mid-16th century.
A length of fabric worn around the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth or decoration.
Probably from Old Northern French escarpe 'pilgrim's purse worn around the neck,' which may ultimately come from Frankish *skirpja or a related Germanic word. An alternative theory connects it to Italian sciarpa. Key roots: escarpe (Old Northern French: "sash, pilgrim's pouch").