Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Curfew

Curfew (kûr"fū) , noun

[Old English courfew, curfu, from Old French cuevrefu, covrefeu, French couvre-feu; covrir to cover + feu fire, from Latin 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. — Shakespeare
The village curfew, as it tolled profound. — Campbell
2.
A utensil for covering the fire. [Obsolete]
For pans, pots, curfews, counters and the like. — Bacon