curfew
noun
- in the Middle Ages, the ringing of a bell every evening as a signal for people to cover fires, put out lights, and retire
- the bell
- the time at which it was rung
- 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
- the regulation establishing this time
See curfew in American Heritage Dictionary 4
cur·few
noun- A regulation requiring certain or all people to leave the streets or be at home at a prescribed hour.
a. The time at which such a restriction begins or is in effect: a 10 P.M. curfew for all residents.
b. The signal, such as a bell, announcing the beginning of this restriction.
Origin: Middle English curfeu, from Old French cuevrefeu : covrir, to cover; see cover + feu, fire (from Latin focus, hearth).
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