Main Entry:

cur·few

Pronunciation:

\ˈkər-(ˌ)fyü\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French coverfeu, signal given to bank the hearth fire, curfew, from coverir to cover + fu, feu fire, from Latin focus hearth

Date:

14th century

1: the sounding of a bell at evening2 a: a regulation enjoining the withdrawal of usually 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