Curfew

a Norman French term meaning to cover the fire. It belongs to a time before the invention of matches, when fires were covered up with ashes to keep live coals over night. In the reign of William the Conqueror a bell, called the curfew bell, was rung at night, as a signal to cover up the fires and retire to rest. School readers formerly taught that the curfew was an oppressive measure intended to prevent the English people from sitting up and plotting treason; but it is now believed that it was introduced in London, at least, as a measure of protection against fire. The ringing of the curfew bell is an excellent custom still adhered to in many parts of rural England. The usual hour is nine o'clock. During the past quarter of a century many cities and towns of the United States have passed what are known as curfew ordinances, requiring young people to leave the streets and retire to their homes at eight or nine in the evening, according to the season. When a town bell is not available, a few sharp strokes are given on the fire gong. The curfew ordinance meets with wide approval among those who believe that boys and girls should be at home after nightfall. It is believed that the universal adoption of this measure would do much to reduce juvenile vice, and to empty our reform schools. See William The Conqueror