curfew

curfew
    n 1: the time that the curfew signal is sounded
    2: a signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew
       restrictions
    3: an order that after a specific time certain activities (as
       being outside on the streets) are prohibited
    

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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CURFEW.  The name of a law, established during the reign of the English 
king, William, the conqueror, by which the people were commanded to dispense 
with fire and candle at eight o'clock at night. 
     It was abolished in the reign of Henry I., but afterwards it signified 
the time at which the curfew formerly took place. The word curfew is 
derived, probably, from couvre few, or cover fire. 4 Bl. Com. 419, 420.