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Curfew Bell

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The bell rung in the reigns of William I. and II. at sunset, to give notice to their subjects that they were to put out their fires and candles (French, couvre feu, cover-fire). The Klokans in Abo, even to the present day, traverse the towns crying the “go-to-bed time.” Those abroad are told to “make haste home,” and those at home to “put out their fires.” Abolished, as a police regulation, by Henry I.

“The curfew tolls the knell of parting day.”


Gray: Elegy.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Cupar Justice
Cupboard Love
Cupid
Cupid and Psyche
Cupid’s Golden Arrow
Cupidon (Le jeune)
Cur
Curate
Curé de Meudon
Curetes
Curfew Bell
Curmudgeon
Currant
Current
Currente Calamo (Latin)
Currer Bell
Curry Favour
Curse or Cuss
Curse of Scotland
Curses
Cursing by Bell, Book, and Candle