Definition of: curb

(kûrb) noun
1. A chain or strap to brace a bit against a horse's lower jaw: used to check the horse when the reins are pulled; also, a bit so arranged.
2. Anything that restrains or controls.
3. A curbstone.
4. The framework at the top of a well.
5. Originally, the street as a market for selling securities out of hours or securities not listed on the regular stock exchanges: also curb exchange.
6. A hard swelling on a horse's hind leg, especially back of the hock and below its point.
—v.t.
1. To hold in subjection; control, as with reins and curb.
2. To protect with a curb.
3. To shorten and sharpen (telegraphic signals) in order to obtain more rapid transmission. Also Brit. kerb.
See synonyms under GOVERN, REPRESS, RESTRAIN. [<F courbe, orig. adj., curved <L curvus]