purdah

Definitions

• (chiefly) A curtain, especially as used to conceal and divide women from men and strangers in some Hindu or Muslim traditions.
• (rare) A striped cotton cloth which is used to make curtains.
• The state or system of social gender seclusion in some Muslim or Hindu communities.
• A long veil, or other all-enveloping clothing, worn by women in some Muslim societies.
• (figuratively) Secrecy, isolation.
• (UK politics) The period immediately before an election or referendum during which restrictions are in force on the activity of civil servants.