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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Curfew \Cur"few\ (k[^u]r"f[=u]), n. [OE. courfew, curfu, fr. OF.
cuevrefu, covrefeu, F. couvre-feu; covrir to cover feu
fire, fr. L. focus fireplace, hearth. See {Cover}, and
{Focus}.]
1. 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.
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He begins at curfew, and walks till the first cock.
--Shak.
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The village curfew, as it tolled profound.
--Campbell.
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2. A utensil for covering the fire. [Obs.]
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For pans, pots, curfews, counters and the like.
--Bacon.
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