Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A form of bit for the bridle of a horse, which, by the exertion of slight effort, can be made to produce great pressure on the mouth, and thus control the animal. See
curb , n., 2.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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So we tear off full speed, and other things get in the way, and I have to pull up suddenly, and the horrid curb-bit cuts my mouth till I could rear with the pain.
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Chauvenet and Durand conferred in low tones while Zmai drew out a tether strap and snapped it to the curb-bit of the captive's horse.
The Port of Missing Men Meredith Nicholson 1906
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"Well, of course you're right, Brother Brigham, but that boy certainly needs a check-rein and a curb-bit right now," said Snow.
The Lions of the Lord A Tale of the Old West Harry Leon Wilson 1903
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That came from the curb-bit and bridle hanging on the wall, or perhaps from the plastron, foils, and gauntlets over the mantle.
Lorraine A romance 1899
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The cruel curb-bit and heavy stock-saddle, with its high horn and cantle, prove that we have adopted Spanish-American horse-gear; and the broad hat, huge blunt spurs, and leather chaperajos of the rider, as well as the corral in which the stock are penned, all alike show the same ancestry.
Out on the Range 1896
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Duruy, 'I says,' your lively horse's taught me a lesson, 'I says,' 'n' hereafter I don't lend no money on so much 's a egg without I see a good curb-bit bought 'n' put in its mouth first, 'I says;' n 'then I walked off,' n 'the end o' it all is 't if Cousin Marion's poor I certainly ain't very wild to have her find out 's I'm rich.
Susan Clegg and Her Friend Mrs. Lathrop Anne Warner 1891
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He struggled to free his wrist from the curb-bit chain of the horse, through which he had plunged it in his attempt to seize the bridle.
Indian Summer William Dean Howells 1878
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It was rapidly growing dark, and one man lit a lanthorn, while the other clapped the bit between the teeth of a handsome black horse, turned the docile creature in its stall, and then slipped on a heavy military saddle with its high-peak holsters and curb-bit.
In Honour's Cause A Tale of the Days of George the First George Manville Fenn 1870
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Perhaps she ought to have a curb-bit for you, though, Miss Clara. '
Wilfrid Cumbermede George MacDonald 1864
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Roger went and got what he called a curb-bit, and almost in
Without a Home Edward Payson Roe 1863
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