[cur.few] n [ME, fr. MF covrefeu, signal given to bank the hearth fire, curfew, fr. covrir to cover + feu fire, fr. L focus hearth] (14c) 1: the sounding of a bell at evening "the Curfew tolls the knell of parting day --Thomas Gray"
2. a: a regulation enjoining the withdrawal of usu. specified persons (as juveniles or military personnel) from the streets or the closing of business establishments or places of assembly at a stated hour b: a signal to announce the beginning of a curfew c: the hour at which a curfew becomes effective d: the period during which a curfew is in effect