PURDAH

purdah

(noun) a screen used in India to separate women from men or strangers

purdah, sex segregation

(noun) the traditional Hindu or Muslim system of keeping women secluded

solitude, purdah

(noun) a state of social isolation

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

purdah (countable and uncountable, plural purdahs)

(chiefly, South Asia) A curtain, especially as used to conceal and divide women from men and strangers in some Hindu or Muslim traditions. [from 17th c.]

(rare, obsolete) A striped cotton cloth which is used to make curtains. [19th c.]

The state or system of social gender seclusion in some Muslim or Hindu communities. [from 19th c.]

A long veil, or other all-enveloping clothing, worn by women in some Muslim societies. [from 20th c.]

(figuratively) Secrecy, isolation. [from 20th c.]

(UK) The period immediately before an election or referendum during which restrictions are in force on the activity of civil servants.

Usage notes

The use of a term that refers to the practice of secluding women for the pre-election period in the UK may be found offensive.

Anagrams

• hard up

Source: Wiktionary

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Pur"dah, n. Etym: [Per. parda a curtain.]

Definition: A curtain or screen; also, a cotton fabric in blue and white stripes, used for curtains. McElrath.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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