In the 16th century, Turkish women could divorce their husbands if the man failed to keep his family’s pot filled with coffee.
CURFEW
curfew
(noun) an order that after a specific time certain activities (as being outside on the streets) are prohibited
curfew
(noun) a signal (usually a bell) announcing the start of curfew restrictions
curfew
(noun) the time that the curfew signal is sounded
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
curfew (plural curfews)
Any regulation requiring people to be off the streets and in their homes by a certain time.
The time when such restriction begins.
A signal indicating this time.
A fireplace accessory designed to bank a fire by completely covering the embers.
(historical) A regulation in feudal Europe by which fires had to be covered up or put out at a certain fixed time in the evening, marked by the ringing of an evening bell.
The evening bell, which continued to be rung in many towns after the regulation itself became obsolete.
Source: Wiktionary
Cur"few (kr"f), n. Etym: [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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
6 May 2025
HEEDLESS
(adjective) marked by or paying little heed or attention; “We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; we know now that it is bad economics”--Franklin D. Roosevelt; “heedless of danger”; “heedless of the child’s crying”
Coffee Trivia
