ETYM Old Eng. courfew, curfu, from Old Fren. cuevrefu, covrefeu, French couvre-feu; covrir to cover + feu fire, from Latin focus fireplace, hearth. Related to Cover, and Focus.
1. A signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions.
2. An order that after a specific time certain activities (as being outside on the streets) are prohibited.
3. The time that the curfew signal is sounded.