I. ˈkər(ˌ)fyü, -ə̄(-, -əi(- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English corfeu, curfew, from Middle French cuevrefeu, covrefeu, signal given in the evening to put out or bank the fire in the hearth, curfew, from covrir to cover + feu fire, from Latin focus fireplace, hearth — more at cover , focus
1.
a. : an order or regulation enjoining withdrawal of persons (as juveniles, military personnel, or other specified classes) from the streets or the closing of business establishments or places of assembly at a stated hour usually of the evening
b. : the sounding of a bell or other signal to announce the beginning of a time of curfew
c. : the bell or other signal so used
d. : the hour at which curfew becomes effective
e. : the period of time during which a curfew is in effect
2. obsolete : a morning signal bell
3. : a utensil for covering a hearth fire especially to permit its burning safely overnight
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to impose a curfew upon
the only … nightclub that remains open in an otherwise curfewed town — Herbert Kubly