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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 curb bit
      n : a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap to check the
          horse [syn: curb]