Curtain
['kɜːt(ə)n] or ['kɝtn]
Definition
(noun.) hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window).
(noun.) any barrier to communication or vision; 'a curtain of secrecy'; 'a curtain of trees'.
(verb.) provide with drapery; 'curtain the bedrooms'.
Checker: Raffles--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) 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.
(n.) That part of the rampart and parapet which is between two bastions or two gates. See Illustrations of Ravelin and Bastion.
(n.) That part of a wall of a building which is between two pavilions, towers, etc.
(n.) A flag; an ensign; -- in contempt.
(v. t.) To inclose as with curtains; to furnish with curtains.
Checked by Elaine
Definition
n. drapery hung round and enclosing a bed &c.: the part of a rampart between two bastions.—v.t. to enclose or furnish with curtains.—n. Cur′tain-lec′ture a lecture or reproof given in bed by a wife to her husband.—Behind the curtain away from public view; Draw the curtain to draw it aside so as to show what is behind or in front of anything so as to hide it.
Checker: Max
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of curtains, foretells that unwelcome visitors will cause you worry and unhappiness. Soiled or torn curtains seen in a dream means disgraceful quarrels and reproaches.
Typed by Eddie
Examples
- I advanced; then paused by the crib side: my hand was on the curtain, but I preferred speaking before I withdrew it. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- In my haste I thrust the key into my pocket, and dropped my stick while I was chasing Teddy, who had run up the curtain. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
- I opened the curtain with a smile, and looked in at her. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- The box into which the harlequin takes refuge, and which appears to be empty when Pierrot or Cassandra lifts the curtain that shields its entrance, is also a sort of magic cabinet. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- Vice,' said the surgeon, replacing the curtain, 'takes up her abode in many temples; and who can say that a fair outside shell not enshrine her? Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- The curtain drew up--shrivelled to the ceiling: the bright lights, the long room, the gay throng, burst upon us. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- It shall be a parlour-curtain lecture. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Undraw the curtains, my dear girl,' said Eugene, after a while, 'and let us see our wedding-day. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- He dropped the curtains over the broad window and regal moon. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- A gay laugh from the court rang through the silken curtains of the verandah. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- He shrunk behind the curtains, and called out very loudly-- 'Ha-hum! Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- The sound of a drawer cautiously slid out struck my ear; stepping a little to one side, my vision took a free range, unimpeded by falling curtains. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- A breeze had sprung up, swaying inward the muslin curtains, and bringing a fresh scent of mignonette and petunias from the flower-box on the balcony. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- She advanced to the curtains. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- They reached a curtained door, behind which sounded lovely music. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- We now slowly ascended a drive, and came upon the long front of a house: candlelight gleamed from one curtained bow-window; all the rest were dark. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- She had nestled down with him, that his head might lie upon her arm; and her hair drooping over him curtained him from the light. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
- A gilded mirror filled up the space between two windows, curtained amply with blue damask. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- It was a little window of but four pieces of glass, and was not curtained; he chose it because the larger window near it was. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
Editor: Rae