n. 1. A regulation or rule requiring certain or all people to leave the streets or be at home at a prescribed hour. 2. a. The time at which such a restriction begins or is in effect: a 10 PM curfew for all residents. b. The signal, such as a bell, announcing the beginning of this restriction. [Middle English curfeu, from Old French cuevrefeu : covrir, to cover; see COVER + feu, fire (from Latin focus, hearth).] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.