Also kirb. [Variant of CURB sb., used in special senses.]
1. In various uses in which curb is the more frequent spelling (see CURB III).
1664. [see CURB 8 b].
1733, 1793. [see CURB 9].
1797. Monthly Mag., III. 221. The skirting, or kirb, which keeps in the ground, may be cast, or framed, with the boxes.
1873. F. Hall, Mod. Eng., p. xi. Mistaking the kerb of our own little philologic well for the far-off horizon of science.
2. spec. An edging of stone or the like, bordering a raised path, side-walk or pavement: = CURB 12. On the kerb: said of stock-exchange business done on the street-pavement, esp. after the exchange is closed for the day.
1805. Chron., in Ann. Reg., 359/2. A young man … fell down off the kirb, in Thames-street.
1851. Illustr. Catal. Gt. Exhib., 243. A section of a street, with improved kerb, for keeping the pavement clean.
1863. M. Hopkins, Hawaii, 71. An ancient lava road … defined on each side with a kerb or bordering of stones.
1894. Times, 19 April, 4/4. Later in the day the trading was slow, and on the kerb cash was done at £40 2s. 6d.
b. Comb., as kerb-merchant, -vendor, one who sells his wares on or beside the street-kerb.
1894. Fenn, Tiger Lily, I. 139. A silk umbrella—one of those … declared by the kerb vendor as being better than new.
1897. Daily News, 30 March, 6/4. Some kerb merchants in that seamy quarter were also driving a good trade in loyal buttons.
