'curtain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'cortine,' where 'cort-' meant 'court' or 'enclosure.'

'cortine' transformed into the Middle English word 'curteyn,' and eventually became the modern English word 'curtain.'

Initially, it meant 'a covering or enclosure,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a piece of cloth that covers a window or stage.'