curfew : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: curfew	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for curfew
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
curfew n the time that the curfew signal is sounded a signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions an order that after a specific time certain activities (as being outside on the streets) are prohibited
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Curfew \Cur"few\ (k?r"f?), n. [OE. courfew, curfu, fr. OF. cuevrefu, covrefeu, F. couvre-feu; covrir to cover + feu fire, fr. L. focus fireplace, hearth. See {Cover}, and {Focus}.] 1. The ringing of an evening bell, originally a signal to the inhabitants to cover fires, extinguish lights, and retire to rest, -- instituted by William the Conqueror; also, the bell itself. He begins at curfew, and walks till the first cock. --Shak. The village curfew, as it tolled profound. --Campbell. 2. A utensil for covering the fire. [Obs.] For pans, pots, curfews, counters and the like. --Bacon.