·noun A utensil for covering the fire.
II. Curfew ·noun 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.
To be rung in London at every parish church at the same hour as at St. Martin le Grand, 1282 (Riley,...
A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.