GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Curtain , n. [OE.cortin, curtin,fr. OF. cortine, curtine, F. courtine, LL. cortina, curtian (in senses 1 and 2), also, small court, small inclosure surrounded by walls, from cortis court. See Court.]
   1913 Webster
   A hanging screen intended to darken or conceal, and admitting of being drawn back or up, and reclosed at pleasure; esp., drapery of cloth or lace hanging round a bed or at a window; in theaters, and like places, a movable screen for concealing the stage.
   1913 Webster
   (Fort.) That part of the rampart and parapet which is between two bastions or two gates. See Illustrations of Ravelin and Bastion.
   1913 Webster
   (Arch.) That part of a wall of a building which is between two pavilions, towers, etc.
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   A flag; an ensign; -- in contempt. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Behind the curtain, in concealment; in secret. -- Curtain lecture, a querulous lecture given by a wife to her husband within the bed curtains, or in bed. Jerrold.
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   A curtain lecture is worth all the sermons in the world for teaching the virtues of patience and long-suffering.
   W. Irving.
   -- The curtain falls, the performance closes. -- The curtain rises, the performance begins. -- To draw the curtain, to close it over an object, or to remove it; hence: (a) To hide or to disclose an object. (b) To commence or close a performance. -- To drop the curtain, to end the tale, or close the performance.
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2.       
   Curtain, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Curtained ; p. pr. & vb. n. Curtaining.] To inclose as with curtains; to furnish with curtains.
   1913 Webster
   So when the sun in bed
   Curtained with cloudy red.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster