Curtain

(kŭr'tin, 42), n. [Fr. courtine, Pr., Sp., Pg., It., & L. Lat. cortina, from Lat. cortina, kettle, circle, the circle of a theater, in L. Lat. equivalent to aulæum, the curtain of a theater, allied to Lat. cors, cortis, a place inclosed around, a court.]

1. A cloth screen or covering intended to darken or conceal, and admitting of being drawn back or up, and reclosed at pleasure; a cloth hanging round a bed or at a window; in theaters, and like places, the movable screen concealing the stage from the spectators.
2. (Fort.) That part of the rampart and parapet which is between the flanks of two bastions. [See Illust. of Ravelin and Bastion.]

Behind the curtain, in concealment; in secret.—To draw the curtain, to close it over an object, or to remove it; hence (a.), to hide or to disclose an object; (b.), to commence or close a performance.—To drop the curtain, to end the tale, or close the performance.