curtain

curtain [kʉrt′'n]

n.

[ME & OFr cortine < LL(Ec) cortina, lit. a cauldron, enclosing circle of a theater, curtain (< IE base * (s)ker-, to CURVE); used in Vulg. instead of L cors, cohors (see COURT) to translate Gr aulaia, curtain (esp. in a theater) < aulē, open court, taken as if same word as L aula, pot: for IE base see OVEN]

1. a piece of cloth or other material, sometimes arranged so that it can be drawn up or sideways, hung for decoration, as at a window, or to cover, conceal, or shut off something

2. anything that covers, conceals, separates, or shuts off [a curtain of fog]

3. that part of a wall between two bastions, gates, etc.

4. Archit. an enclosing wall that does not support a roof

5. Theater

a) the large drape or hanging screen at the front of the stage, which is drawn up or aside to reveal the stage

b) the opening of the curtain at the beginning, or its closing at the end, of a play, act, or scene

c) an effect, line, or situation in a play just before the curtain closes

d) CURTAIN CALL

☆ 6. [pl.] Slang death; the end

vt.

1. to provide or decorate with a curtain

2. to cover, conceal, or shut off as with a curtain

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draw the curtain on or drop the curtain on

1. to end

2. to conceal

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lift the curtain on or raise the curtain on

1. to begin

2. to reveal