tableau curtain

American  

noun

Theater.

1. a curtain, often used as an act curtain, designed to be drawn aside and up to give a festooned or draped effect.

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Etymology

Origin of tableau curtain

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

There may be used instead or in addition to the act curtain, what is known as a tableau curtain, that works in a traveler above, which can be drawn straight off stage, both ways, parting in the middle, or be pulled to a drape at each side.

From Project Gutenberg

The tableau curtain fell and the manager appeared behind the footlights.

From Project Gutenberg