English Dictionary: curb bit | by the DICT Development Group |
2 results for curb bit | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Curb \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. --James Law. {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}. |