purdah
UK[ˈpɜːdə]US[ˈpɜːrdə]
n
the practice in certain muslim and hindu societies of screening women from men or strangers by means of a curtain or all-enveloping clothes
n
a state of seclusion or secrecy
Etymology
the word 'purdah' entered english in the early 19th century from the hindi-urdu 'pardah', meaning 'curtain' or 'veil'. this term itself derives from the persian 'pardah', which carries the same meaning. the concept and practice, signifying the seclusion of women and the use of physical barriers for privacy, traveled with the word from persianate cultures into the indian subcontinent and subsequently into the english lexicon. in modern usage, it retains its core meaning of veiling and seclusion while also acquiring a figurative sense for any state of deliberate isolation or secrecy.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from hindi-urdu, adopted into english as a simplex unit. it does not contain separable morphemes within the english spelling.
Examples
during her visit, she respected local customs by observing purdah.
the company's new project was developed in complete purdah to avoid leaks to competitors.
the practice of purdah involves both architectural features like screens and specific styles of clothing.