from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Curb \Curb\, n.
1. That which curbs, restrains, or subdues; a check or
hindrance; esp., a chain or strap attached to the upper
part of the branches of a bit, and capable of being drawn
tightly against the lower jaw of the horse.
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He that before ran in the pastures wild
Felt the stiff curb control his angry jaws.
--Drayton.
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By these men, religion,that should be
The curb, is made the spur of tyranny. --Denham.
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2. (Arch.) An assemblage of three or more pieces of timber,
or a metal member, forming a frame around an opening, and
serving to maintain the integrity of that opening; also, a
ring of stone serving a similar purpose, as at the eye of
a dome.
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3. A frame or wall round the mouth of a well; also, a frame
within a well to prevent the earth caving in.
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4. A curbstone.
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5. (Far.) A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a
horse, just behind the lowest part of the hock joint,
generally causing lameness. --James Law.
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{Curb bit}, a stiff bit having branches by which a leverage
is obtained upon the jaws of horse. --Knight.
{Curb pins} (Horology), the pins on the regulator which
restrain the hairspring.
{Curb plate} (Arch.), a plate serving the purpose of a curb.
{Deck curb}. See under {Deck}.
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