curtain lecture

noun

1. Older Use. a scolding administered in private by a wife to her husband.

curtain lecture

noun

1. a scolding or rebuke given in private, esp by a wife to her husband

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtain lecture¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtain lecture¹

alluding to the curtained beds where such rebukes were once given

Example Sentences

Her grandmother treated him to what were referred to as “curtain lectures.”

From Literature

She seemed to me to be more forward than ever that morning, and I felt a suspicion that I was going to get a curtain lecture.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Caudle herself would scarcely hazard a curtain lecture with this atrocious alternative in prospect.

From Project Gutenberg

Her discourse would have rendered the poor man very uneasy, indeed, had not "luck" extricated him from his dilemma on the next day succeeding the curtain lecture.

From Project Gutenberg

Many were the curtain lectures which were inflicted upon the poor barber.

From Project Gutenberg