CURTAIN, a screen of any textile material, running by means of rings fixed to a rod or pole. Curtains are now used chiefly to cover windows and doors, but for many centuries every bed of importance was surrounded by them, and sometimes, as in France, the space thus screened off was much larger than the actual bed and was called the ruelle. The curtain is very ancient—indeed the absence of glass and ill-fitting windows long made it a necessity. Originally single curtains were used ; it would appear that it was not until the i 7th century that they were employed in pairs. Curtains are made in an infinite variety of materials and styles; when placed over a door they are usually called portieres. In fortification the "curtain" is that part of the enceinte which lies between two bastions, towers, gates, etc.