purdah

or pur·da, par·dah

[ pur-duh ]

noun

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

purdah

/ ˈpɜːdə /

noun

1. the custom in some Muslim and Hindu communities of keeping women in seclusion, with clothing that conceals them completely when they go out
2. a screen in a Hindu house used to keep the women out of view
3. a veil worn by Hindu women of high caste
4. informal.
   hiding or isolation

   the Treasury is currently locked in pre-budget purdah

Word History and Origins

Origin of purdah¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of purdah¹

C19: from Hindi parda veil, from Persian pardah

Example Sentences

Solicitor David Enright, from Howe & Co, said he was worried that given we’re now in election purdah there’s unlikely to be any action at all until a new government comes in.

From BBC

"My intention would not be to stay right up until polling day because purdah will kick in and there will be other stages as well," he said.

From BBC

Their purdah period comes just a day after the official announcement - just about squeaking in time for leaders to trumpet the success of the campaign on the airwaves before rules become stricter pre-election.

From BBC

It is startling to think that it is only eight months since Alonso was in purdah under Lampard and Chelsea was running the risk of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League.

From New York Times

“What is the concept of purdah?” he said, using a term that refers to the practice of seclusion, veiling or concealing dress for women in some South Asian communities.

From New York Times