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.
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.
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.
3. A frame or wall round the mouth of a well; also, a frame within a well to prevent the earth caving in.
4. A curbstone.
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.
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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