curbs

Noun

curb (plural curbs)

1. (US) A concrete margin along the edge of a road; a kerb (UK, Australia, New Zealand).
2. (US) A raised margin along the edge of something, such as a well or the eye of a dome, as a strengthening.
3. (US, figuratively) Something that checks or restrains; a restraint.
   • Even by theſe Men, Religion, that ſhould be / The curb, is made the ſpur to tyranny: / They with their double key of conſcience bind / The Subjects ſouls, and leave Kings unconfin'd; […]1641 (first performance), [John Denham], The Sophy. […], 2nd edition, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for H[enry] Herringman, […], published 1667, →OCLC, Act IV, pages [44A]–45
4. (US) A riding or driving bit for a horse that has rein action which amplifies the pressure in the mouth by leverage advantage placing pressure on the poll by means of the crown piece of the bridle and chin groove by means of a curb chain.
   • He that before ran in the pastures wild / Felt the stiff curb controul his angry jaws.1605, Michael Drayton, The Fourth Eclogue

   Synonyms:

   curb bit

5. (Canada, US) A sidewalk, covered or partially enclosed, bordering the airport terminal road system with adjacent paved areas to permit vehicles to off-load or load passengers.
6. (US) 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.

See all 13 meanings of curb