CURFEW

curfew. Curfew, n. eight o'clock bell, a cover for a fire

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Cur″few (kûr″fū), 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. 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.
He begins at curfew, and walks till the first cock. Shak. The village curfew, as it tolled profound. Campbell. 2. 2. A utensil for covering the fire.
For pans, pots, curfews, counters and the like. Bacon.