noun

1. 1. in the Middle Ages, the ringing of a bell every evening as a signal for people to cover fires, put out lights, and retire
   2. the bell
   3. the time at which it was rung
2. 1. a time, generally in the evening, set as a deadline beyond which inhabitants of occupied cities in wartime, children under a specified age, etc. may not appear on the streets or in public places
   2. the regulation establishing this time

Etymology: ME curfeu < OFr covrefeu, lit., cover fire < covrir (see cover) + feu, fire < L focus, fireplace: see focus