curb: Meaning and Definition of
curb
Pronunciation: (kûrb), [key]
— n.
- a rim, esp. of joined stones or concrete, along a street or roadway, forming an edge for a sidewalk.
- anything that restrains or controls; a restraint; check.
- an enclosing framework or border.
- a bit used with a bridoon for control of a horse, to which a chainis hooked.
- Also calleda market, originally on the sidewalk or street, for the sale of securities not listed on a stock exchange. Cf. American Stock Exchange.
- the framework around the top of a well.
- the arris between an upper and a lower slope on a gambrel or mansard roof.
- a belt of metal, masonry, etc., for abutting a dome at its base.
- (in a windmill) the track on which the cap turns.
- a swelling on the lower part of the back of the hock of a horse, often causing lameness.
- the cutting edge at the bottom of a caisson.
- See
—v.t.
- to control as with a curb; restrain; check.
- to cause to keep near the curb: Curb your dog.
- to furnish with or protect by a curb.
- to put a curb on (a horse).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.