curbn.

Brit.

/kəːb/, U.S.

/kərb/

Forms: Middle English–1600s corbe, curbe, 1500s–1600s courbe, 1600s courb, corb, kurbe, 1600s– curb (dialect1500s–1600s crubb(e, 1800s crub); also β. (chiefly in senses 8 – 13) 1600s kerbe, 1600s–1800s kirb, 1800s kerb. See also crub n.

Etymology: The senses here placed all derive ultimately from French courbe adjective (= Provençal corb , Spanish curvo , Portuguese curvo , Italian curvo ) < Latin curvus bent, crooked, or from French courber < Latin curvāre : see curb v.¹ But their immediate etymological history presents differences, and Branches I. and II. might be treated as distinct words. Branch I appears only in English, and seems to be a derivative < curb v.¹, in the sense ‘that which curbs or bends the horse's neck’; it seems to be the source of curb v.², under the influence of which again some of the senses under Branch III. have arisen. Branch II. contains a variety of senses found under French courbe , substantive use of courbe adjective. Branch III. appears also to have originated in French courbe in the sense of a curved or arched piece of timber, iron, etc. used for structural purposes; but the sense appears to have been gradually modified after curb v.², so as to involve more and more the sense of a restraining or confining border. In this group the word is often spelt kerb n., which is at present established in sense 12. Compare kennel n.¹

I. Something that curbs or restrains.

1. A chain or strap passing under the lower jaw of a horse, and fastened to the upper ends of the branches of the bit; used chiefly for checking an unruly horse.The reins being attached to the lower ends of the branches of the bit, leverage is obtained for forcing the chain against the jaw of the horse.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > general equipment > [noun] > hobble or fetter

cubbelc1230

pastern1284

lock1384

langle1394

spannel1398

warlockc1440

curb1477

hough-band1568

foot widdy1569

curble1598

spancel1610

hopple1641

twitchel1689

collaring1692

hobble1744

sideline1803

hog-tie1902

pigging-string1924

1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 26^v If he yeue him [sc. a strong hors] not a strong bitte with a corbe, he shal nener con gouerne him.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 209/1 Courbe for a bridell, gourmette.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. i. sig. A3 His angry steede did chide his foming bitt, As much disdayning to the curbe to yield.

1684 R. Howlett School Recreat. 24 A plain watering Chain, Cheek large, and the Kirb, thick round and big.

1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin xxii That trot became a gallop soon In spite of curb and rein.

1835 W. Irving Tour on Prairies 180 This fine young animal..reduced to..pass his life under the harness and the curb.

2. figurative. Anything that curbs or restrains; a check, restraint.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > [noun] > means of restraint or restraining force

bridleeOE

bridea1425

restraint1523

aweband1531

bit1546

retentive1580

control1594

curb1613

hank1613

constriction1650

retinue1651

check1661

spigot1780

brake1875

way-chain1884

tab1889

inhibitor1902

check-cord1908

iron maiden1912

inhibition1932

1613 J. Sylvester tr. H. Smith Micro-cosm. in Wks. 800 Service is to the Lofty minde A Curb, a Spur to th' abiect Hinde.

1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 112 So checkt was his forwardnesse with the curbe of bashfulnesse.

1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic I. vii. 417 A Dictator, whose Authority might be a Curb upon the Cabals and Intrigues of the Tribunes.

1858 C. Patmore Espousals ix, in Angel in House (ed. 2) II. 259 In what rough sort he chid his wife For want of curb upon her tongue.

1871 G. Meredith Harry Richmond II. xviii. 259 My temper was beginning to chafe at the curb.

3. Telegraphy. A method of signalling through a long cable, by sending a powerful signal followed by one or more weak signals of opposite sign, the effect of which is to ‘curb’ or prevent the main signal from lingering in the cable; a signal transmitted in this way. Only in combinations, as curb-key, curb sender (an instrument for transmitting signals in this way); curb-sending, curb-signal.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telegraphy > [noun] > method of signalling

curb-key1867

1867 R. S. Culley Handbk. Pract. Telegr. (ed. 2) 247 Arrangements..for discharging a cable rapidly, and for equalising the effect of dashes and dots; the most effective of which is the curb key.

1877 Jrnl. Soc. Telegr. Engineers 5 213 The object of the automatic curb-sender is to diminish the retardation of signals in long cables.

1877 Telegraphic Jrnl. 1 Feb. 27 This system of using two currents, one to produce the signal and the other..to neutralize..the residual effect of the first, is what is known as Curb-Sending.

1877 Telegraphic Jrnl. 1 Feb. 27 Trials have been made..to send curb-signals by means of a hand-key.

II. Corresponding to French courbe n. in various senses.

4. A hard swelling on the hock or other part of a horse's leg; the disease characterized by these.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of horses > [noun] > disorders of legs > caused by tumours

ringbone1362

spavinc1500

curb?1523

thorough splint1577

splint1598

gourding1610

spavie1706

gourdiness1721

the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of horses > [noun] > disorders of legs > caused by tumours > tumour

spavin1426

ringbonec1465

blood spavin?1523

curb?1523

serew?1523

splint?1523

thorough-serewe?1523

thorough spavin?1523

windgall?1523

bone spavin1566

boneshavea1585

grape1600

surot1601

hough-bony1607

lichen1607

gorge1610

bog-spavin1631

splint-bone1704

splinter1704

star1710

fuseec1720

jardonc1720

osseletc1720

jarde1727

thorough-pin1789

?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxxv A courbe is an yll sorance and maketh a horse to halt sore, & apereth vpon the hynder legges..vnder the camborell place.

1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique i. xxviii. 194 (margin) The courbe, or a long swelling beneath the elbow of the hough.

1695 London Gaz. No. 3132/4 One brown Gelding..a Curb on his near Hock.

1736 Compl. Family-piece iii. 388 For the Curb, you must leave out the Mercury sublimate.

1844 Queen's Regulations & Orders Army 380 The Horses..show no tendency to Curb or Spavin.

†5. A curve, an arc. [French courbe.] Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > curvature > [noun] > a curve

bightOE

crookingc1380

curvature?a1425

bought1519

compass1545

ply1575

reflexure1578

curve1596

circumflex1601

curb1601

flexion1607

flexure1608

round1608

sinus1615

return1626

inflection1658

curvity1705

sweep1715

tarve1848

1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 118 The very coasts of this streight Bosphorus..boweth and windeth like a curb to Mœotis.

1759 tr. Montaigne iii. iii. 51 The form of my study is round..so that the curb presents me with a view of all my books.

6. A mould or template by which to mark out curved work. (Sometimes spelt kerb.)

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for marking out work > [noun] > templates

mitre box1678

temple1688

profile1751

curb1792

rod1793

template1819

turning-piece1823

mitring box1845

mitre block1846

former1847

sweep1885

1792 P. Nicholson Carpenter's New Guide (1801) 21 The ceiling wants to be hollowed out..I shall..show the method of making a curb for that purpose..A curve being traced round the points of intersection, will give the form of the curb.

1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 582 The Carpenter is to..provide all kerbs and trammels for tanks and vaults.

†7. Thieves' cant. A hook. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > [noun] > with a hook > hooked staff used in

filchman1575

curb1591

filch1612

1591 R. Greene Second Pt. Conny-catching sig. E3 ^v The Courber, which the common people call the Hooker, is he that with a Curbe (as they tearme it) or hooke, do pull out of a windowe any loose linnen cloth, apparell, or..other houshold stuffe.

III. An enclosing framework or border: in the first place, the curved border of something round, but eventually applied also to things straight.The name appears to have originally connoted the curved outline merely, and to have gradually taken more and more from the sense of curb v.², until this became the characteristic notion, and that of curvature entirely disappeared. Also spelt kerb (†kirb).

a. A frame or ‘coaming’ round the top of a well (to which the lids or covers are fastened).

ΘΚΠ

the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [noun] > well > frame round top of

curb1511

well-curb1665

puteal1692

curble?1780

well kerb1845

curb-plate1860

1511 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) Payd for mendyng off a boket off sen johnys welle jd..for a stapylle & a hooke jd..for..ij corbys ijs iiijd.

1512 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) For mendyng off þ^e corbe a bowt þ^e welle.

1610 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/5) For caryng of the courb of the well to Ivy leane.

1807 C. Hutton Course Math. (ed. 5) II. 252 A carpenter is to put an oaken curb to a round well, at 8d. per foot square: the breadth of the curb is to be 7¹/ ₄ inches, and the diameter within 3¹/ ₂ feet.

1839 C. Fellows Jrnl. Excursion Asia Minor (1852) 18 The mouths or curbs of the wells are formed of the capitals of extremely fine Corinthian pillars.

b. A framing round the top of a brewer's copper.

ΚΠ

1664 J. Evelyn Sylva i. iv. §15 [Elm] scarce has any superior for kerbs of coppers.

1743 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) III. 211 Fastening his two wooden Doors just above the Curb of the Copper.

c. An aperture in a floor or roof to support a trapdoor or skylight.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > [noun] > framing > for trapdoor or skylight

curb1858

1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) at Curb The name curb is also given..to the frame of..a skylight.

1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 566 The top being prepared to receive the continuous kerb for the grating.

1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 578 The floor grating to the Hall is to be fitted with a curb of York stone..rebated on the top edge for the grating.

9. A circular plate or cylindrical ring of timber or iron round the edge of any circular structure (usually to hold it firmly together): (a) a circular or other curvilinear wall-plate at the springing of a dome; (b) a cylindrical ring around the ‘eye’ of a dome or similar structure, into which the ribs are framed (sometimes supporting a lantern or cupola); (c) the ‘race-plate’ on the top of the fixed portion of a windmill, on which travel the rollers of the cap as it rotates; also, the circular plate or ring at the base of the cap of a windmill, carrying the rollers.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > curvature > roundness > [noun] > annular quality > ring > binding or confining something

curb1733

curb-plate1819

hoop1867

society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > arch > [noun] > dome or cupola > specific part

curb1733

curb-plate1819

tambour1841

1733 F. Price Brit. Carpenter (1753) 28 The kirb, on which stands a lanthorn, or cupola.

1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §48 One Kirb or circle of compass timber at each floor.

1820 T. Tredgold Elem. Princ. Carpentry x. 170 The brick dome..of St. Mark, at Venice..was built upon a curb of larch timber..intended to resist the tendency which a dome has to spread outwards at the base.

1857 J. Walker Specif. Whitby High Lantern The curb at the top for receiving the ends of the rafters is to consist of a ring of gun-metal.

1885 A. R. Wolff Windmill 64 The cap, or head, of the mill..is made of timber..with a circular curb at the lower part, which revolves upon the one attached to the body of the mill..The rollers..are attached to the upper curb, and revolve against the..lower one.

10. A cylindrical ring of timber, iron, etc. forming the base on which the brickwork of a shaft or well is constructed.This ‘curb’ may be built into the crown of the arch of a tunnel, as in the case of a ventilating shaft (cf. 9(b)); or it may, as in the construction of a mine-shaft, descend with the steening which it bears, as the excavation proceeds.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > building or providing with specific parts > specific parts built or constructed > [noun] > foundation(s) > of shaft or well

curb1811

1811 J. Farey Gen. View Agric. Derbyshire I. 327 A curb, or flat ring of sound oak or elm is laid on the bottom, on which the stones or bricks are built to the top. The sinking is then begun within this curb.

1838 F. W. Simms Public Wks. Great Brit. 32 The brickwork shall rest upon a cast-iron curb, fitting into the crown of the arch of the tunnel, forming a level base for the shaft to rest upon.

1844 F. W. Simms Pract. Tunnelling 46 The sinking was attempted by means of a barrel (or drum) curb, which upon being undermined descended by its own weight and that of the brickwork (which was constructed upon the curb).

1844 F. W. Simms Pract. Tunnelling 109 The shaft..can be securely connected with the crown of the tunnel, by means of a curb of brick or cast iron.

11.

a. A raised margin or edging around an oast, to confine the hops; also round a bed in a garden or hothouse, or round a hearth, to serve as a fender.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > malting > [noun] > kiln > parts of

malt-floor1309

malting floor1613

summer1662

horse1669

cockle1688

curb1731

the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > garden > division or part of garden > [noun] > artificial or ornamental mound or bank

mount1591

mound-work1718

curb1881

the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > heating or making hot > that which or one who heats > [noun] > a device for heating or warming > devices for heating buildings, rooms, etc. > hearth or fireplace > raised margin round hearth

curb1882

1731 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. I. at Lupulus The Hops must be spread even upon the Oast a Foot thick or more, if the Depth of the Curb will allow it.

1881 Gardeners' Chron. No. 412. 655 The curbs are filled with a nice lot of plants.

1882 Worcs. Exhib. Catal. iii. 3 Polished brass curb.

b. An inclined circular plate placed round the edge of a soap or salt kettle to prevent the contents from boiling over.

ΚΠ

1874 in E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech.

12.

a. A margin of stone or other strong material protecting the outer edge of a side-walk and separating it from the roadway on which horses and vehicles travel. In this sense the spelling is now usually curb in U.S., kerb in U.K.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > path or place for walking > [noun] > foot(-)path > by side of street or road > kerb

curbstone1791

kerb1807

kerb-stone1815

curb1836

kerbing1869

1836 Libr. Entert. Knowl., Pompeii (ed. 4) I. 91 These curbs [in woodcut, marked ‘kirb’]..separate the foot pavement from the road.

1861 S. Smiles Lives Engineers II. 29 In fixing the kerbs along the London footpaths.

1882 Nature 30 Mar. 517/1 The idea is to make the curb of the pavement in the form of an iron box.

in extended use.1867 W. D. Howells Ital. Journeys 124 Leaning on the curb of the precipitous rock.

b. The body of curbstone brokers. U.S.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > dealer in stocks and shares > stock-broker > type of > body of

coulisse1887

curb1903

marzipan set1984

1903 Nation (N.Y.) 4 June 446 The Stock Exchange and the ‘curb’.. gave..plain evidence what their opinion was.

13. In various other technical senses, some of which are difficult to classify.

a. Architecture, Building, etc. An edge or ‘nosing’, as e.g. to a step; also a raised band (not sufficiently high to be a ‘dwarf wall’) to receive the lower ends of the palisades or railings of an enclosure or partition; a breast-wall or retaining-wall to hold up a bank of earth; one of the plates forming the top of the sides of a green-house: the lower of the two planes forming the slope of a curb- or mansard-roof; ‘the flashing of lead over the curb-plate to a curb-roof’; ‘the woodwork forming the arris of a plaster-work groin’ ( Archit. Publ. Soc. Dict.); also applied to a ‘crib’ or cage to contain concrete until hardened, as in a foundation.

ΚΠ

1819 P. Nicholson Archit. Dict. I. 308 Curb for Brick Steps, a timber nosing..not only to prevent the steps from wearing, but also from being dislocated.

1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) (at cited word) The plane, a b [of the roof] is popularly called the curb.

1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) (at cited word) Where wrought iron railing bars set close are let into it..a cast iron curb is now much used.

1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) (at cited word) The edge, to a brick or tile step, is also called a curb, even if it be merely a stone or timber nosing.

1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 619 Kerb part of the tower roof is to be covered with 6 lb. lead..the surface of the kerbs is to be turned up against the cheeks of the dormers.

b. The cylindrical casing within which a vortex-turbine wheel revolves; also the curved guide encompassing part of the periphery of a breast-wheel or scoop-wheel to confine and direct the water against its buckets or floats.

†c. A ‘stilling’ or stand in a brewery to support a cask, etc. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > brewing > [noun] > vat or vessel for brewing or fermenting > top of or frame

crub1565

crown1668

curb1825

1825 T. D. Fosbroke Encycl. Antiq. I. x. 364 Ancient brewhouses had troughs of lead set on the ground, or on courbes.

†14. Of uncertain meaning. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1495 Will of Sir Richard Porter (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/10) f. 228 I bequeith to the church of Conway a furnesse and a Curbe of lede to hill [= cover, roof] the church with.

1527 in Lancs. & Cheshire Wills (Chetham Soc.) 36 Item I beqweth..a grett pott off brasse and my corbes of leyde a grat of hyron. Item a broche of yron.

Compounds

attributive and in other combinations. Also curb-key, curb sender, curb-signal at sense 3, curb-plate n., curb-roof n., curbstone n.

curb-bit n. a bit (or bridle) with a curb.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > horse-gear > [noun] > bit

kevela1300

barnaclea1382

bitc1385

molanc1400

bridle bit1438

snafflea1533

titup1537

bastonet?1561

cannon?1561

scatch1565

cannon bit1574

snaffle-bit1576

port mouth1589

watering snaffle1593

bell-bit1607

campanel1607

olive1607

pear-bit1607

olive-bit1611

port bit1662

neck-snaffle1686

curb-bit1688

masticador1717

Pelham1742

bridoon1744

slabbering-bit1753

hard and sharp1787

Weymouth1792

bridoon-bit1795

mameluke bit1826

Chiffney-bit1834

training bit1840

ring snaffle1850

gag-snaffle1856

segundo1860

half-moon bit1875

stiff-bit1875

twisted mouth1875

thorn-bit1886

Scamperdale1934

bit-mouth-

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 305/2 Mr. Morgan calls..a Bit or Snaffle..Curbs or Curb Bits.

1710 London Gaz. No. 4698/4 A white Bridle, with a very light Kirb Bit.

1843 W. Youatt Horse (new ed.) i. 15 To the Romans may be attributed the invention of the curb-bit.

curb-bridle n. = curb-bit n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > horse-gear > [noun] > halter or bridle

haltera1000

bridleOE

brake1430

gorel1480

watering bridle1502

mollet-bridle1503

headgear1538

slipe1586

chase-halter1607

branks1657

bit-bridle1676

curb-bridle1677

chain-bridle1690

blind-halter1711

ox-riem1817

blind-bridle1833

bell-bridle1836

training halter1842

hackamore1850

Pelham bridle1875

quoiler1876

knee-halter1892

war bridle1962

side pull1965

1677 London Gaz. No. 1163/4 A green velvet Saddle..and a curb Bridle.

1795 ‘P. Pindar’ Pindariana 205 For those passions make a strong curb bridle.

curb-chain n. a chain acting as a curb.

ΚΠ

1833 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal II. 312 This rise in the bit is made to press hard against the roof of the horse's mouth, at the same time that the curb chain closely presses the chin.

curb-hook n. ‘a hook which the curb is hitched to’ (Felton Carriages Gloss.).

curb-market n. (cf. curbstone n. Compounds and kerb n.).

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > traffic in stocks and shares > types of market

commodity market1843

primary market1859

short interest1866

bear market1873

aftermarket1887

terminal market1887

Kaffir Circus1889

shop1889

bull market1891

open1898

curb-market1900

the junglea1901

jungle-market1900

short market1900

down market1915

short end1964

third market1964

Unlisted Securities Market1979

USM1979

bulldog market1980

1900 S. A. Nelson ABC of Wall St. 10 The curb market, with its swarm of brokers.

1914 N.Y. Herald 17 Nov. 6/4 Prices again strong in curb market.

curb-pin n. (see quot. 1874).

ΚΠ

1874 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Curb-pins, the pins on the lever of a watch-regulator which embrace the hair-spring of the balance and regulate its vibrations.

1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 106 A balance spring uncontrolled by curb pins.

curb-price n. (cf. curbstone n. Compounds and kerb n.).

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > prices of stocks and shares

middle1928

price–earnings ratio1929

curb-price1930

striking price1961

banding1982

multiple1983

1930 San Antonio (Texas) Light 31 Jan. Closing Curb Prices.

curb service n. North American service by a shop, etc., to customers in cars at the street curb.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > selling > [noun] > shopkeeping or shopwork > service to customers in cars

curb service1931

1931 Kansas City (Missouri) Star 25 Aug. The hoppers sit on the curb in front of the drug store, honk and attack the curb service boys when they come out.

1938 Archit. Rev. 84 137 (caption) A curb-service restaurant in Washington, D.C.

1962 Canad. Jrnl. Linguistics 7 73 A culture pattern based on the automobile, with its motels, filling stations, and curb-service.

curb-stocks n. U.S. (cf. curbstone n. Compounds and kerb n.).

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > stocks, shares, or bonds > [noun] > stock > bought, sold, or dealt on particular terms

bear1709

bull1714

bearskin1719

trust stock1733

preference stock1845

preferred stock1848

trustee stock1855

short1868

privileged stock1875

future1880

junior stock1914

curb-stocks1915

long1930

junk bond1974

1915 World's Work Oct. 641 Unlisted (Curb) Stocks.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	curb
释义	curbn. Brit. /kəːb/, U.S. /kərb/ Forms: Middle English–1600s corbe, curbe, 1500s–1600s courbe, 1600s courb, corb, kurbe, 1600s– curb (dialect1500s–1600s crubb(e, 1800s crub); also β. (chiefly in senses 8 – 13) 1600s kerbe, 1600s–1800s kirb, 1800s kerb. See also crub n. Etymology: The senses here placed all derive ultimately from French courbe adjective (= Provençal corb , Spanish curvo , Portuguese curvo , Italian curvo ) < Latin curvus bent, crooked, or from French courber < Latin curvāre : see curb v.¹ But their immediate etymological history presents differences, and Branches I. and II. might be treated as distinct words. Branch I appears only in English, and seems to be a derivative < curb v.¹, in the sense ‘that which curbs or bends the horse's neck’; it seems to be the source of curb v.², under the influence of which again some of the senses under Branch III. have arisen. Branch II. contains a variety of senses found under French courbe , substantive use of courbe adjective. Branch III. appears also to have originated in French courbe in the sense of a curved or arched piece of timber, iron, etc. used for structural purposes; but the sense appears to have been gradually modified after curb v.², so as to involve more and more the sense of a restraining or confining border. In this group the word is often spelt kerb n., which is at present established in sense 12. Compare kennel n.¹ I. Something that curbs or restrains. 1. A chain or strap passing under the lower jaw of a horse, and fastened to the upper ends of the branches of the bit; used chiefly for checking an unruly horse.The reins being attached to the lower ends of the branches of the bit, leverage is obtained for forcing the chain against the jaw of the horse. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > general equipment > [noun] > hobble or fetter cubbelc1230 pastern1284 lock1384 langle1394 spannel1398 warlockc1440 curb1477 hough-band1568 foot widdy1569 curble1598 spancel1610 hopple1641 twitchel1689 collaring1692 hobble1744 sideline1803 hog-tie1902 pigging-string1924 1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 26^v If he yeue him [sc. a strong hors] not a strong bitte with a corbe, he shal nener con gouerne him. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 209/1 Courbe for a bridell, gourmette. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. i. sig. A3 His angry steede did chide his foming bitt, As much disdayning to the curbe to yield. 1684 R. Howlett School Recreat. 24 A plain watering Chain, Cheek large, and the Kirb, thick round and big. 1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin xxii That trot became a gallop soon In spite of curb and rein. 1835 W. Irving Tour on Prairies 180 This fine young animal..reduced to..pass his life under the harness and the curb. 2. figurative. Anything that curbs or restrains; a check, restraint. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > [noun] > means of restraint or restraining force bridleeOE bridea1425 restraint1523 aweband1531 bit1546 retentive1580 control1594 curb1613 hank1613 constriction1650 retinue1651 check1661 spigot1780 brake1875 way-chain1884 tab1889 inhibitor1902 check-cord1908 iron maiden1912 inhibition1932 1613 J. Sylvester tr. H. Smith Micro-cosm. in Wks. 800 Service is to the Lofty minde A Curb, a Spur to th' abiect Hinde. 1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 112 So checkt was his forwardnesse with the curbe of bashfulnesse. 1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic I. vii. 417 A Dictator, whose Authority might be a Curb upon the Cabals and Intrigues of the Tribunes. 1858 C. Patmore Espousals ix, in Angel in House (ed. 2) II. 259 In what rough sort he chid his wife For want of curb upon her tongue. 1871 G. Meredith Harry Richmond II. xviii. 259 My temper was beginning to chafe at the curb. 3. Telegraphy. A method of signalling through a long cable, by sending a powerful signal followed by one or more weak signals of opposite sign, the effect of which is to ‘curb’ or prevent the main signal from lingering in the cable; a signal transmitted in this way. Only in combinations, as curb-key, curb sender (an instrument for transmitting signals in this way); curb-sending, curb-signal. ΘΚΠ society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telegraphy > [noun] > method of signalling curb-key1867 1867 R. S. Culley Handbk. Pract. Telegr. (ed. 2) 247 Arrangements..for discharging a cable rapidly, and for equalising the effect of dashes and dots; the most effective of which is the curb key. 1877 Jrnl. Soc. Telegr. Engineers 5 213 The object of the automatic curb-sender is to diminish the retardation of signals in long cables. 1877 Telegraphic Jrnl. 1 Feb. 27 This system of using two currents, one to produce the signal and the other..to neutralize..the residual effect of the first, is what is known as Curb-Sending. 1877 Telegraphic Jrnl. 1 Feb. 27 Trials have been made..to send curb-signals by means of a hand-key. II. Corresponding to French courbe n. in various senses. 4. A hard swelling on the hock or other part of a horse's leg; the disease characterized by these. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of horses > [noun] > disorders of legs > caused by tumours ringbone1362 spavinc1500 curb?1523 thorough splint1577 splint1598 gourding1610 spavie1706 gourdiness1721 the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of horses > [noun] > disorders of legs > caused by tumours > tumour spavin1426 ringbonec1465 blood spavin?1523 curb?1523 serew?1523 splint?1523 thorough-serewe?1523 thorough spavin?1523 windgall?1523 bone spavin1566 boneshavea1585 grape1600 surot1601 hough-bony1607 lichen1607 gorge1610 bog-spavin1631 splint-bone1704 splinter1704 star1710 fuseec1720 jardonc1720 osseletc1720 jarde1727 thorough-pin1789 ?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxxv A courbe is an yll sorance and maketh a horse to halt sore, & apereth vpon the hynder legges..vnder the camborell place. 1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique i. xxviii. 194 (margin) The courbe, or a long swelling beneath the elbow of the hough. 1695 London Gaz. No. 3132/4 One brown Gelding..a Curb on his near Hock. 1736 Compl. Family-piece iii. 388 For the Curb, you must leave out the Mercury sublimate. 1844 Queen's Regulations & Orders Army 380 The Horses..show no tendency to Curb or Spavin. †5. A curve, an arc. [French courbe.] Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > [noun] > a curve bightOE crookingc1380 curvature?a1425 bought1519 compass1545 ply1575 reflexure1578 curve1596 circumflex1601 curb1601 flexion1607 flexure1608 round1608 sinus1615 return1626 inflection1658 curvity1705 sweep1715 tarve1848 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 118 The very coasts of this streight Bosphorus..boweth and windeth like a curb to Mœotis. 1759 tr. Montaigne iii. iii. 51 The form of my study is round..so that the curb presents me with a view of all my books. 6. A mould or template by which to mark out curved work. (Sometimes spelt kerb.) ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for marking out work > [noun] > templates mitre box1678 temple1688 profile1751 curb1792 rod1793 template1819 turning-piece1823 mitring box1845 mitre block1846 former1847 sweep1885 1792 P. Nicholson Carpenter's New Guide (1801) 21 The ceiling wants to be hollowed out..I shall..show the method of making a curb for that purpose..A curve being traced round the points of intersection, will give the form of the curb. 1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 582 The Carpenter is to..provide all kerbs and trammels for tanks and vaults. †7. Thieves' cant. A hook. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > [noun] > with a hook > hooked staff used in filchman1575 curb1591 filch1612 1591 R. Greene Second Pt. Conny-catching sig. E3 ^v The Courber, which the common people call the Hooker, is he that with a Curbe (as they tearme it) or hooke, do pull out of a windowe any loose linnen cloth, apparell, or..other houshold stuffe. III. An enclosing framework or border: in the first place, the curved border of something round, but eventually applied also to things straight.The name appears to have originally connoted the curved outline merely, and to have gradually taken more and more from the sense of curb v.², until this became the characteristic notion, and that of curvature entirely disappeared. Also spelt kerb (†kirb). 8. a. A frame or ‘coaming’ round the top of a well (to which the lids or covers are fastened). ΘΚΠ the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [noun] > well > frame round top of curb1511 well-curb1665 puteal1692 curble?1780 well kerb1845 curb-plate1860 1511 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) Payd for mendyng off a boket off sen johnys welle jd..for a stapylle & a hooke jd..for..ij corbys ijs iiijd. 1512 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/4) For mendyng off þ^e corbe a bowt þ^e welle. 1610 Accts. St. John's Hosp., Canterbury (Canterbury Cathedral Archives: CCA-U13/5) For caryng of the courb of the well to Ivy leane. 1807 C. Hutton Course Math. (ed. 5) II. 252 A carpenter is to put an oaken curb to a round well, at 8d. per foot square: the breadth of the curb is to be 7¹/ ₄ inches, and the diameter within 3¹/ ₂ feet. 1839 C. Fellows Jrnl. Excursion Asia Minor (1852) 18 The mouths or curbs of the wells are formed of the capitals of extremely fine Corinthian pillars. b. A framing round the top of a brewer's copper. ΚΠ 1664 J. Evelyn Sylva i. iv. §15 [Elm] scarce has any superior for kerbs of coppers. 1743 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) III. 211 Fastening his two wooden Doors just above the Curb of the Copper. c. An aperture in a floor or roof to support a trapdoor or skylight. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > [noun] > framing > for trapdoor or skylight curb1858 1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) at Curb The name curb is also given..to the frame of..a skylight. 1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 566 The top being prepared to receive the continuous kerb for the grating. 1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 578 The floor grating to the Hall is to be fitted with a curb of York stone..rebated on the top edge for the grating. 9. A circular plate or cylindrical ring of timber or iron round the edge of any circular structure (usually to hold it firmly together): (a) a circular or other curvilinear wall-plate at the springing of a dome; (b) a cylindrical ring around the ‘eye’ of a dome or similar structure, into which the ribs are framed (sometimes supporting a lantern or cupola); (c) the ‘race-plate’ on the top of the fixed portion of a windmill, on which travel the rollers of the cap as it rotates; also, the circular plate or ring at the base of the cap of a windmill, carrying the rollers. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > roundness > [noun] > annular quality > ring > binding or confining something curb1733 curb-plate1819 hoop1867 society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > arch > [noun] > dome or cupola > specific part curb1733 curb-plate1819 tambour1841 1733 F. Price Brit. Carpenter (1753) 28 The kirb, on which stands a lanthorn, or cupola. 1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §48 One Kirb or circle of compass timber at each floor. 1820 T. Tredgold Elem. Princ. Carpentry x. 170 The brick dome..of St. Mark, at Venice..was built upon a curb of larch timber..intended to resist the tendency which a dome has to spread outwards at the base. 1857 J. Walker Specif. Whitby High Lantern The curb at the top for receiving the ends of the rafters is to consist of a ring of gun-metal. 1885 A. R. Wolff Windmill 64 The cap, or head, of the mill..is made of timber..with a circular curb at the lower part, which revolves upon the one attached to the body of the mill..The rollers..are attached to the upper curb, and revolve against the..lower one. 10. A cylindrical ring of timber, iron, etc. forming the base on which the brickwork of a shaft or well is constructed.This ‘curb’ may be built into the crown of the arch of a tunnel, as in the case of a ventilating shaft (cf. 9(b)); or it may, as in the construction of a mine-shaft, descend with the steening which it bears, as the excavation proceeds. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > building or providing with specific parts > specific parts built or constructed > [noun] > foundation(s) > of shaft or well curb1811 1811 J. Farey Gen. View Agric. Derbyshire I. 327 A curb, or flat ring of sound oak or elm is laid on the bottom, on which the stones or bricks are built to the top. The sinking is then begun within this curb. 1838 F. W. Simms Public Wks. Great Brit. 32 The brickwork shall rest upon a cast-iron curb, fitting into the crown of the arch of the tunnel, forming a level base for the shaft to rest upon. 1844 F. W. Simms Pract. Tunnelling 46 The sinking was attempted by means of a barrel (or drum) curb, which upon being undermined descended by its own weight and that of the brickwork (which was constructed upon the curb). 1844 F. W. Simms Pract. Tunnelling 109 The shaft..can be securely connected with the crown of the tunnel, by means of a curb of brick or cast iron. 11. a. A raised margin or edging around an oast, to confine the hops; also round a bed in a garden or hothouse, or round a hearth, to serve as a fender. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > malting > [noun] > kiln > parts of malt-floor1309 malting floor1613 summer1662 horse1669 cockle1688 curb1731 the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > garden > division or part of garden > [noun] > artificial or ornamental mound or bank mount1591 mound-work1718 curb1881 the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > heating or making hot > that which or one who heats > [noun] > a device for heating or warming > devices for heating buildings, rooms, etc. > hearth or fireplace > raised margin round hearth curb1882 1731 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. I. at Lupulus The Hops must be spread even upon the Oast a Foot thick or more, if the Depth of the Curb will allow it. 1881 Gardeners' Chron. No. 412. 655 The curbs are filled with a nice lot of plants. 1882 Worcs. Exhib. Catal. iii. 3 Polished brass curb. b. An inclined circular plate placed round the edge of a soap or salt kettle to prevent the contents from boiling over. ΚΠ 1874 in E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. 12. a. A margin of stone or other strong material protecting the outer edge of a side-walk and separating it from the roadway on which horses and vehicles travel. In this sense the spelling is now usually curb in U.S., kerb in U.K. ΘΚΠ society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > path or place for walking > [noun] > foot(-)path > by side of street or road > kerb curbstone1791 kerb1807 kerb-stone1815 curb1836 kerbing1869 1836 Libr. Entert. Knowl., Pompeii (ed. 4) I. 91 These curbs [in woodcut, marked ‘kirb’]..separate the foot pavement from the road. 1861 S. Smiles Lives Engineers II. 29 In fixing the kerbs along the London footpaths. 1882 Nature 30 Mar. 517/1 The idea is to make the curb of the pavement in the form of an iron box. in extended use.1867 W. D. Howells Ital. Journeys 124 Leaning on the curb of the precipitous rock. b. The body of curbstone brokers. U.S. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > dealer in stocks and shares > stock-broker > type of > body of coulisse1887 curb1903 marzipan set1984 1903 Nation (N.Y.) 4 June 446 The Stock Exchange and the ‘curb’.. gave..plain evidence what their opinion was. 13. In various other technical senses, some of which are difficult to classify. a. Architecture, Building, etc. An edge or ‘nosing’, as e.g. to a step; also a raised band (not sufficiently high to be a ‘dwarf wall’) to receive the lower ends of the palisades or railings of an enclosure or partition; a breast-wall or retaining-wall to hold up a bank of earth; one of the plates forming the top of the sides of a green-house: the lower of the two planes forming the slope of a curb- or mansard-roof; ‘the flashing of lead over the curb-plate to a curb-roof’; ‘the woodwork forming the arris of a plaster-work groin’ ( Archit. Publ. Soc. Dict.); also applied to a ‘crib’ or cage to contain concrete until hardened, as in a foundation. ΚΠ 1819 P. Nicholson Archit. Dict. I. 308 Curb for Brick Steps, a timber nosing..not only to prevent the steps from wearing, but also from being dislocated. 1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) (at cited word) The plane, a b [of the roof] is popularly called the curb. 1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) (at cited word) Where wrought iron railing bars set close are let into it..a cast iron curb is now much used. 1858 Dict. Archit. (Archit. Publ. Soc.) (at cited word) The edge, to a brick or tile step, is also called a curb, even if it be merely a stone or timber nosing. 1859 Donaldson & Glen Specifications 619 Kerb part of the tower roof is to be covered with 6 lb. lead..the surface of the kerbs is to be turned up against the cheeks of the dormers. b. The cylindrical casing within which a vortex-turbine wheel revolves; also the curved guide encompassing part of the periphery of a breast-wheel or scoop-wheel to confine and direct the water against its buckets or floats. †c. A ‘stilling’ or stand in a brewery to support a cask, etc. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > brewing > [noun] > vat or vessel for brewing or fermenting > top of or frame crub1565 crown1668 curb1825 1825 T. D. Fosbroke Encycl. Antiq. I. x. 364 Ancient brewhouses had troughs of lead set on the ground, or on courbes. †14. Of uncertain meaning. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1495 Will of Sir Richard Porter (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/10) f. 228 I bequeith to the church of Conway a furnesse and a Curbe of lede to hill [= cover, roof] the church with. 1527 in Lancs. & Cheshire Wills (Chetham Soc.) 36 Item I beqweth..a grett pott off brasse and my corbes of leyde a grat of hyron. Item a broche of yron. Compounds attributive and in other combinations. Also curb-key, curb sender, curb-signal at sense 3, curb-plate n., curb-roof n., curbstone n. curb-bit n. a bit (or bridle) with a curb. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > horse-gear > [noun] > bit kevela1300 barnaclea1382 bitc1385 molanc1400 bridle bit1438 snafflea1533 titup1537 bastonet?1561 cannon?1561 scatch1565 cannon bit1574 snaffle-bit1576 port mouth1589 watering snaffle1593 bell-bit1607 campanel1607 olive1607 pear-bit1607 olive-bit1611 port bit1662 neck-snaffle1686 curb-bit1688 masticador1717 Pelham1742 bridoon1744 slabbering-bit1753 hard and sharp1787 Weymouth1792 bridoon-bit1795 mameluke bit1826 Chiffney-bit1834 training bit1840 ring snaffle1850 gag-snaffle1856 segundo1860 half-moon bit1875 stiff-bit1875 twisted mouth1875 thorn-bit1886 Scamperdale1934 bit-mouth- 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 305/2 Mr. Morgan calls..a Bit or Snaffle..Curbs or Curb Bits. 1710 London Gaz. No. 4698/4 A white Bridle, with a very light Kirb Bit. 1843 W. Youatt Horse (new ed.) i. 15 To the Romans may be attributed the invention of the curb-bit. curb-bridle n. = curb-bit n. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > horse-gear > [noun] > halter or bridle haltera1000 bridleOE brake1430 gorel1480 watering bridle1502 mollet-bridle1503 headgear1538 slipe1586 chase-halter1607 branks1657 bit-bridle1676 curb-bridle1677 chain-bridle1690 blind-halter1711 ox-riem1817 blind-bridle1833 bell-bridle1836 training halter1842 hackamore1850 Pelham bridle1875 quoiler1876 knee-halter1892 war bridle1962 side pull1965 1677 London Gaz. No. 1163/4 A green velvet Saddle..and a curb Bridle. 1795 ‘P. Pindar’ Pindariana 205 For those passions make a strong curb bridle. curb-chain n. a chain acting as a curb. ΚΠ 1833 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal II. 312 This rise in the bit is made to press hard against the roof of the horse's mouth, at the same time that the curb chain closely presses the chin. curb-hook n. ‘a hook which the curb is hitched to’ (Felton Carriages Gloss.). curb-market n. (cf. curbstone n. Compounds and kerb n.). ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > traffic in stocks and shares > types of market commodity market1843 primary market1859 short interest1866 bear market1873 aftermarket1887 terminal market1887 Kaffir Circus1889 shop1889 bull market1891 open1898 curb-market1900 the junglea1901 jungle-market1900 short market1900 down market1915 short end1964 third market1964 Unlisted Securities Market1979 USM1979 bulldog market1980 1900 S. A. Nelson ABC of Wall St. 10 The curb market, with its swarm of brokers. 1914 N.Y. Herald 17 Nov. 6/4 Prices again strong in curb market. curb-pin n. (see quot. 1874). ΚΠ 1874 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Curb-pins, the pins on the lever of a watch-regulator which embrace the hair-spring of the balance and regulate its vibrations. 1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 106 A balance spring uncontrolled by curb pins. curb-price n. (cf. curbstone n. Compounds and kerb n.). ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > prices of stocks and shares middle1928 price–earnings ratio1929 curb-price1930 striking price1961 banding1982 multiple1983 1930 San Antonio (Texas) Light 31 Jan. Closing Curb Prices. curb service n. North American service by a shop, etc., to customers in cars at the street curb. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > selling > [noun] > shopkeeping or shopwork > service to customers in cars curb service1931 1931 Kansas City (Missouri) Star 25 Aug. The hoppers sit on the curb in front of the drug store, honk and attack the curb service boys when they come out. 1938 Archit. Rev. 84 137 (caption) A curb-service restaurant in Washington, D.C. 1962 Canad. Jrnl. Linguistics 7 73 A culture pattern based on the automobile, with its motels, filling stations, and curb-service. curb-stocks n. U.S. (cf. curbstone n. Compounds and kerb n.). ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > stocks, shares, or bonds > [noun] > stock > bought, sold, or dealt on particular terms bear1709 bull1714 bearskin1719 trust stock1733 preference stock1845 preferred stock1848 trustee stock1855 short1868 privileged stock1875 future1880 junior stock1914 curb-stocks1915 long1930 junk bond1974 1915 World's Work Oct. 641 Unlisted (Curb) Stocks. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022). † curbv.¹ Etymology: A later spelling of courbe v., < French courber to bend, probably influenced in form by curb v.², and by curve adj. and n., when this was coming in from Latin. Obsolete. rare. 1. transitive. To bend, bow, curve. See also curbed adj.¹ ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > curve or bend [verb (transitive)] beyc888 bowa1300 incrooka1340 inbowa1382 crook1382 plya1393 inflectc1425 courbe1430 wryc1450 cralla1475 crumbc1490 bought1521 compass1542 incurvate1578 ploy1578 incurve1610 curve1615 circumflex1649 wheel1656 curb1662 crumpa1821 curvaturec1933 1430 [implied in: J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy v. xxxvi He thrugh whom al is wrong kourbed. (at courbe v. 2)]. 1662 H. More Gen. Coll. Philos. Writings (1712) Pref. Gen. 15 [The Spirit of Nature] curbs the matter of the Sun into rounds of figure, which would otherwise be oblong. 2. intransitive. To bend, bow, cringe.Modern editions of Hamlet (see quot. 1604) have curb for courb. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > be or become curved or bent [verb (intransitive)] beyc888 bowOE fold13.. crumpc1325 windc1374 courbe1377 curb1377 plyc1395 bend1398 ploy?1473 bowl1513 bought1521 tirve1567 crookle1577 crook1579 compass1588 round1613 incurvate1647 circumflex1661 arcuate1678 to round off1678 sweep1725 curve1748 curvaturea1811 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] > bend down stoopc893 bowOE aloutOE fold13.. bendc1374 courbe1377 curb1377 inclinec1390 declinea1400 nuzzlec1450 buckle1600 doup1694 huckle1854 overbend1856 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. ii. 1 I courbed on my knees and cryed hir of grace. 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. iv. 146 Vertue it selfe of vice must pardon beg, Yea curbe and wooe for leaue to doe him good. View more context for this quotation 1623 W. Drummond Cypresse Groue in Flowres of Sion 57 Bodies languishing and courbing. 1807 J. Barlow Columbiad vi. 210 [They] bow the knee, And curb, well pleased, O Cruelty, to thee. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2021). curbv.² Brit. /kəːb/, U.S. /kərb/ Etymology: In Branch I, dating back to 16th cent., apparently < curb n. 1; Branch II is much later, < curb n. 12. I. Senses relating to controlling or restraining. 1. transitive. To put a curb on (a horse); to restrain or control with a curb. ΘΚΠ society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride (a horse or other animal) [verb (transitive)] > control with a curb curb1530 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 500/1 I courbe a horse, I fasten the courbe under his chynne. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 643 Part wield thir Arms, part courb the foaming Steed. View more context for this quotation 1878 M. A. Brown tr. J. L. Runeberg Nadeschda 25 Curbing his fiery steed..with foaming bit. 2. a. figurative. To restrain, check, keep in check. ΘΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > hold in check bridleOE tempera1050 chastec1230 to hold inc1300 straina1340 stintc1366 attemperc1380 restraina1387 rulea1391 ward1390 coarctc1400 obtemper?a1425 to hold or keep (a person) shortc1425 compesce1430 stent1488 coactc1520 repressa1525 compress1526 control1548 snaffle1555 temperatea1568 brank1574 halter1577 curb1588 shortena1599 to bear (a rein) upon1603 check1629 coerceate1657 bit1825 throttle1862 hold1901 1588 J. Udall State Church of Eng. sig. C^v Bridles to curbe them that kicke at their lordlinesse. a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. i. 41 To curbe the will of the Nobilitie. View more context for this quotation a1631 J. Donne Iuuenilia (1633) sig. D3 To curbe our naturall appetites. 1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 106 She begg'd me to curb my Transport, for fear of being overheard. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 217 To curb the power of France. †b. Const. of, from. Obsolete. Π 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II i. i. 54 The faire reuerence of your Highnesse curbs me, From giuing reines and spurres to my free speech. View more context for this quotation 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 214 Curbe this cruell deuill of his will. View more context for this quotation 1719 W. Wood Surv. Trade (ed. 2) 297 To curb or restrain our own Subjects from their natural Rights. II. Senses relating to curb-stones. 3. To furnish or defend with a curb or curb-stone. (In the latter case commonly kerb.) ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > paving and road-building > pave or build roads [verb (transitive)] > furnish with a kerb curb1836 kerb1861 the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [verb (transitive)] > furnish well with curb-stone curb1874 1836 J. Hall Statist. West vii. 101 In the west..wells are curbed with hollow logs. 1861 Sunderland Times 21 Sept. That the footpath behind Cumberland-terrace be flagged and kerbed. 1874 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. I. 660/1 In sinking wells by sections which are curbed before another section is excavated. 1874 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. I. 660/2 The well at Southampton was..curbed in this way. 1878 N. Amer. Rev. 127 441 Curbed, lighted, sewered, and repaved. III. Senses relating to stealing with a curb or hook. †4. Thieves' cant. (See curber n. 2) [Perhaps a distinct word.] Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > steal [verb (intransitive)] > steal using a hook curb1592 1592 R. Greene Disput. Conny-catcher sig. C Though you can foyst, nyp, prig, lift, courbe, and vse the blacke Art. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.1477v.¹1377v.²1530
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curbn.

Compounds

† curbv.1

curbv.2

† curbv.¹

curbv.²