A friend and I were discussing the media coverage of the WTO meeting in
Seattle.

The word "curfew" came up and she told me that it is from the French (old)
cuevrefeu, couvrir (cover) + feu (fire). Meaning, its time (in the evening)
to cover or put your fire out - perhaps to help hide from attack?

Now it means to stay indoors.

Now, Dr. Tim should agree that the Germans have a much better term,

"Ausgangverbot - it is forbidden to go out"

Mind you I just can't imagine the authorities using the German term!

Alistair