purdah

noun6

1. •
   The situation or system of secluding women from the gaze of people, particularly men and strangers, in some Muslim and Hindu traditions, by using a curtain or screen, and/or wearing a face veil or attire covering most of the body.
2. •
   (figurative) Keeping apart; isolation, seclusion; also, concealment, secrecy.

   • The diagnosis of Kit's malady was soon verified, and Fleur went into purdah. — 1928
3. •
   (UK) The period between the announcement of an election or referendum and its conclusion, during which civil servants refrain from making policy announcements or taking actions that could be seen as advantageous to certain candidates in the election.

   • Despite Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris's reassurance that "the White Paper is coming" it was further delayed by the period of purdah that preceded local elections held on May 6. — 2021
4. •
   A long veil or other attire covering most of the body, worn by women in some Muslim societies.
5. •
   (India, Pakistan) A curtain, especially one used in some Hindu or Muslim traditions to conceal women from the gaze of people, particularly men and strangers.

   • As she passed through the dining-room she heard, behind the purdah that cloaked the drawing-room door, her husband's voice, […] — 1909
6. •
   (no longer used, rare) A striped cotton cloth which is used to make curtains.