Home1778 Edition

CURB

Volume 3 · 130 words · 1778 Edition

in the menage, a chain of iron, made fast to the upper part of the branches of the bridle in a hole called the eye, and running over the horse's beard. It consists of these three parts; the hook, fixed to the eye of the branch; the chain of SS's or links; and the two rings, or mailles. Large curbs, provided they be round, are always most gentle: but care is to be taken, that it rest in its proper place, a little above the beard, otherwise the bit-mouth will not have the effect that may be expected from it.

English watering bits have no curbs; the Turkish bits, called genettes, have a ring that serves instead of a curb. See GENETTES.

CURS, in farriery. See there, § xxviii. 1.