curb´a|ble

curb¹ «kurb», noun, verb.

–n.

1. Also, especially British, kerb. a raised border, especially one of concrete or stone, along the edge of a pavement or sidewalk, or around the top of a well; coaming: »

He parked his car close to the curb.

2. an enclosing framework or border supporting the base or outer edge of a dome, shaft, or the like.

3. Figurative. a check; restraint: »

to put a curb on one's spending. Put a curb on your temper.

SYNONYM(S): control.

4. a chain or strap fastened to a horse's bit and passing under its lower jaw. When the reins are pulled tight, the curb checks the horse.

5. a hard swelling below the hock of a horse's leg, often causing lameness.

6. = curb market. (Cf. ↑curb market)

–v.t.

1. to hold in check; restrain: »

You must curb your laughter when you are in church. My hunger was curbed by the snack. So is the will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father (Shakespeare).

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under check. (Cf. ↑check)

2. to put a curb on (a horse).

3. to provide with a curb.

╂[< Old French courbe, ultimately < Latin curvus bent, crooked, curved]

–curb´a|ble, adjective.

–curb´less, adjective.

curb² «kurb», transitive verb, intransitive verb.

Obsolete. to curve; bend; bow.

╂[earlier courbe < French courber to bend; influenced by curve]