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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Curb

Cúrb, n.

noun

n. [See infra.] 1. That which curbs, restrains, or subdues; a check or hinderance; especially, a chain or strap attached to the upper part of the branches of the bit of a bridle, and capable of being drawn tightly against the lower jaw of the horse. He that before ran in the pastures wild Felt the stiff curb control his angry jaws. Drayton. By these men, religion, that should be the curb, Is made the spur of tyranny. Denham.

  1. A wall or fence designed to hold back a mass of earth in its place.
  2. A frame or wall round the mouth of a well; also, a frame set within a well to prevent the earth from caving in.
  3. A curb-stone.
  4. (Far.) A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse, a few inches below the point of the hock, generally causing lameness. White.

Cûrb, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CURBED; p. pr. & vb. n. CURBING.] [Fr. courber, to bend, curve, Lat. curvare, from curvus, bent, curved, Fr. courbe.]

  1. To bend or curve. [Obs.] “Crooked and curbed lines.” Holland.
  2. To bend to one's will; to bow; to subject; to subdue; to restrain; to confine.

Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed. Milton. Good Providence! that curbs the raging of proud monarchs, as well as of mad multitudes. Milton. Where pinching want must curb thy warm desires. Prior. 3. To furnish with a curb, as a well; also, to restrain by a curb, as a bank of earth.