■ noun
1》 a control or limit: ~s on cigarette advertising.
↘(also ~ 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 ).