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curtain lecture

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

Origin of curtain lecture

First recorded in 1625–35
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for curtain lecture

Historical Examples

  • This is her plan to make me listen to a curtain-lecture in her room.

    Fair Haven and Foul Strand

    August Strindberg

  • "Now for my curtain-lecture," he said, as they seated themselves by the fire.

    The Home at Greylock

    Elizabeth Prentiss

  • And the angry expression on her face was that of a jealous wife taking notes for a curtain-lecture!

    The Torrent

    Vicente Blasco Ibaez

  • We may be called to account for disturbing the company: you may get a curtain-lecture, perhaps, sir.

    Inkle and Yarico

    George Colman

  • Tis in vain to talk to you; but remember I have a curtain-lecture for you, you disobedient, headstrong brute.

British Dictionary definitions for curtain lecture

curtain lecture

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

Word Origin

alluding to the curtained beds where such rebukes were once given
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012