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 evening
2 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