curb

Multiple Entries:
  curb    kerb  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
curb/kɜːb/

▶noun

• 1 a control or limit: curbs on cigarette advertising.

  ■ (also curb bit) a type of bit with a strap or chain attached which passes under a horse's lower jaw, used as a check.

• 2 N. Amer. variant spelling of kerb.

• 3 a swelling on the back of a horse's hock, caused by spraining a ligament.

▶verb keep in check; control.

– origin C15: from OFr. courber ‘bend, bow’, from L. curvare (see curve).

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
kerb /kɜːb/ (US curb)

▶noun a stone edging to a pavement or raised path.

– origin C17 (denoting a raised border or frame): var. of curb.