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. 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. A utensil for covering the fire. [Obs.]

For pans, pots, curfews, counters and the like.
Bacon.

• a regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes by a certain time
  
• the time that this restriction begins
  
• a signal indicating this time