or Courfew, a signal given in cities taken in war, &c. to the inhabitants to go to bed. Pasquin says, it was so called, as being intended to advertife the people to secure themselves from the robberies and debaucheries of the night.

The most eminent curfew in England was that established by William the Conqueror, who appointed, CURRIERS, those who dress and colour leather after it comes from the tan yard. See TANNING.