curber

curber

English

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkəːbə/

• Audio (AU)

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Etymology 1

From curb (verb) +‎ -er.

Noun

curber (plural curbers)

1. Someone or something which curbs.
   • 1902, William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience, Folio Society 2008, p. 282:

     they required him as a safeguard against the demon and a curber of other people's crimes.

Etymology 2

From curb (noun) +‎ -er.

Noun

curber (plural curbers)

1. (historical slang) A type of thief who used a ‘curb’ or hooked pole to steal things through open windows.
   • 1977, Gãmini Salgãdo, The Elizabethan Underworld, Folio Society 2006, p. 33:

     Night was the natural time for the curber’s activities and striking up an acquaitance with a serving maid was an invaluable way of getting a window left open or learning the exact layout of the rooms in the house.