HAP'PY, a.

HAP'PY, a. [from hap; W. hapus, properly lucky, fortunate, receiving good from something that falls or comes to one unexpectedly, or by an event that is not within control. See Hour.]

2. Being in the enjoyment of agreeable sensations from the possession of good; enjoying pleasure from the gratification of appetites or desires. The pleasurable sensations derived from the gratification of sensual appetites render a person temporarily happy; but he only can be esteemed really and permanently happy, who enjoys peace of mind in the favor of God. To be in any degree happy, we must be free from pain both of body and of mind; to be very happy, we must be in the enjoyment of lively sensations of pleasure, either of body or mind.

Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed. Gen. xxx.

He found himself happiest, In communicating happiness to others. Wirt.

CUR'FEW, n.

CUR'FEW, n. [Fr. couvre-feu, cover-fire.]

1. The ringing of a bell or bells at night, as a signal to the inhabitants to rake up their fires and retire to rest. This practice originated in England from an order of William the Conqueror, who directed that at the ringing of the bell, at eight o'clock, every one should put out his light and go to bed. This word is not used in America; although the practice of ringing a bell, at nine o'clock, continues in many places, and is considered in New England, as a signal for people to retire from company to their own abodes; and in general, the signal is obeyed.
2. A cover for a fire; a fire-plate. [Not used.] Bacon.