curtain /kûrˈtən/

1. Hanging drapery at a window, around a bed, etc
2. The part of a rampart between two bastions (fortification)
3. A curtain wall
4. (in a theatre) a screen of cloth or metal concealing the stage, or restricting the spread of fire
5. The fall of the curtain, close of a scene or act (theatre)
6. A protective barrier in general, as the fire of many guns directed along a certain line to prevent the passage of an enemy (also called curˈtain-fire)

1. To enclose or furnish with curtains
2. (with off) to separate with, or as if with, a curtain

curtain call noun

A summons to a performer or performers from the audience to reappear to receive further applause after the curtain has been lowered at the end of a performance

curtain lecture noun

A lecture or reproof given in private, esp in bed by a wife to her husband

curˈtain-raiser noun

1. A short play preceding the main performance
2. An event which precedes a more important event

curˈtain-sider noun

A lorry or truck having fabric sides

curtain speech noun

A speech made in front of a theatre curtain

curtain up noun (theatre)

The beginning of a performance

curtain wall noun

A wall that is not load-bearing, eg does not support a roof

curtain walling noun

Pre-fabricated large framed sections of lightweight, usu predecorated, material used in building

bamboo curtain see under bamboo

be curtains (for) (slang)

To be the end or death (of)

behind the curtain

Away from public view

draw the curtain

To draw it aside, so as to show what is behind, or to draw it in front of anything so as to hide it

iron curtain see under iron

• bilk
• bilked
• bilker
• bilkers
• bilking
• bilks
• bill
• Bill
• aviators
• aviatress
• aviatresses
• aviatrices
• aviatrix
• aviatrixes
• Avicula
• Avicularia
• Aviculariidae
• Aviculidae
• aviculture
• avicultures
• avid
• avider
• avidest
• avidin
• avidins