I. noun
also par·dah ˈpərdə
( -s )
Etymology: Hindi parda, literally, screen, veil, from Persian
: a practice inaugurated by Muslims and later adopted by various Hindus and found especially in India that involves the seclusion of women from public observation by means of concealing clothing including the veil and by the use of high-walled enclosures, screens, and curtains within the home
II. noun
: a state of seclusion or concealment
in political purdah since losing the election