- A concrete border or row of joined stones forming part of a gutter along the edge of a street.
- An enclosing framework, such as that around a skylight.
- A raised margin along an edge used to confine or strengthen.
- Something that checks or restrains: High interest rates put a curb on spending.
- A chain or strap that passes under a horse's lower jaw and serves in conjunction with the bit to restrain the horse.
- A market, originally on a street or sidewalk, for trading securities that are not listed on a stock exchange.
- To check, restrain, or control as if with a curb; rein in. See synonyms at restrain.
- To lead (a dog) off the sidewalk into the gutter so that it can excrete waste.
- To furnish with a curb.
[Blend of Middle English, curved piece of wood (from Old French corbe, curved object , from corbe, curved , from Latin curvus) and Middle English corbe, horse strap (from corben, to bow down, halt , from Old French corber, to bow down , from Latin curvāre , from curvus, curved, bent).]
