Curtail
/kɜːrˈteɪl/noun
To reduce in extent or quantity; to impose a restriction.
Did you know?The term 'curtail' originally referred to cutting the tails of horses, symbolizing a restriction of freedom and power.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
curtailen
“To cut short or shorten.”
Old French
Old French
curtailer
“To cut off or shorten (from 'court' meaning 'short').”
Late Latin
Latin
curtalis
“Shortened or curtailed.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“To cut or separate.”
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