What is "curb bit"

Curb \Curb\, n.

1. That which curbs, restrains, or subdues; a check or hindrance; esp., a chain or strap attached to the upper part of the branches of a bit, and capable of being drawn tightly against the lower jaw of the horse.

   He that before ran in the pastures wild Felt the stiff curb control his angry jaws.
   --Drayton.

   By these men, religion,that should be The curb, is made the spur of tyranny.
   --Denham.

2. (Arch.) An assemblage of three or more pieces of timber, or a metal member, forming a frame around an opening, and serving to maintain the integrity of that opening; also, a ring of stone serving a similar purpose, as at the eye of a dome.

3. A frame or wall round the mouth of a well; also, a frame within a well to prevent the earth caving in.

4. A curbstone.

5. (Far.) 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.
   --James Law.

   Curb bit, a stiff bit having branches by which a leverage is obtained upon the jaws of horse.
   --Knight.

   Curb pins (Horology), the pins on the regulator which restrain the hairspring.

   Curb plate (Arch.), a plate serving the purpose of a curb.

   Deck curb. See under Deck.

n. A type of bit used on a bridle, which works by leverage and has shanks and a curb chain.

n. a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap to check the horse [syn: curb]

A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding horses that uses lever action. It includes the pelham bit and the Weymouth curb along with the traditional "curb bit" used mainly by Western riders.

Kimblewicks or "Kimberwickes" are modified curb bits, and a curb bit is used in a double bridle along with a bradoon. A curb bit is, in general, more severe than a basic snaffle bit, although there are several factors that are involved in determining a bit's severity. Liverpool bits are a type of curb bit commonly used for horses in harness.