purdah Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of social isolation
    solitude.
  2. noun the traditional Hindu or Muslim system of keeping women secluded
    sex segregation.
  3. noun a screen used in India to separate women from men or strangers

WordNet

Pur"dah noun
Etymology
Per. parda a curtain.
Definitions
  1. A curtain or screen; also, a cotton fabric in blue and white stripes, used for curtains. McElrath.

Webster 1913