Definition of curfew Curfew

/kɚˈfju/ - [kerfyu] - cur•few

We found 16 definitions of curfew from 6 different sources.

What does curfew mean?

Noun Plural: curfews
curfew - an order that after a specific time certain activities (as being outside on the streets) are prohibited
		decree, fiat, edict, rescript, order a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge); "a friend in New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out there"
curfew - a signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions
curfew - the time that the curfew signal is sounded

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curfew (Noun)
A regulation in feudal Europe by which fires had to be covered up or put out at a certain fixed time in the evening, marked by the ringing of an evening bell.
curfew (Noun)
The evening bell, which continued to be rung in many towns after the regulation itself became obsolete.
curfew (Noun)
Any regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes by a certain time.
curfew (Noun)
The time when such restriction begins.
curfew (Noun)
A signal indicating this time.
curfew (Noun)
A fireplace accessory designed to bank a fire by completely covering the embers.

curfew (n.)
The ringing of an evening bell, originally a signal to the inhabitants to cover fires, extinguish lights, and retire to rest, -- instituted by William the Conqueror; also, the bell itself.
curfew (n.)
A utensil for covering the fire.

curfew
Regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes during a certain period.
curfew
A signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions.
curfew
The time that the curfew signal is sounded.

curfew
kur′fū, n. in feudal times the ringing of a bell at eight o'clock, as a signal to put out all fires and lights. [O. Fr. covrefeu; couvrir, to cover, feu, fire—L. focus.]