pardah

[ pur-duh ]
/ ˈpɜr də /

noun

Definition for pardah (2 of 2)

purdah

or pur·da, par·dah

[ pur-duh ]
/ ˈpɜr də /

noun (in India, Pakistan, etc.)

the seclusion of women from the sight of men or strangers, practiced by some Muslims and Hindus.
a screen, curtain, or veil used for this purpose.

Origin of purdah

1790–1800; < Hindi, Urdu pardah curtain < Persian

British Dictionary definitions for pardah

purdah

purda

/ (ˈpɜːdə) /

noun

the custom in some Muslim and Hindu communities of keeping women in seclusion, with clothing that conceals them completely when they go out
a screen in a Hindu house used to keep the women out of view
a veil worn by Hindu women of high caste
informal hiding or isolation the Treasury is currently locked in pre-budget purdah

Word Origin for purdah

C19: from Hindi parda veil, from Persian pardah