[f. prec. sb.] trans. To rub down or groom with a curry-comb; to curry. Also transf. and fig.: see CURRY v.
1708. Motteux, Rabelais, V. vii. (1737), 26. The Groom … ordered one of his Underlings to … curricomb him with a Cudgel.
1809. Scott, in C. K. Sharpe’s Corr. (1888), I. 366. I would willingly embrace your offer of curry-combing Miss Owenson.
1839. Times, 13 Sept., 4/3. Unlike O’Connell, they do not believe a priest can currycomb off their sins.
1842. Mrs. Gore, Fascination, 42. The principal clerk … became suddenly as serious as an ass that is being currycombed.
Hence Curry-comber.
1889. Rawlinson, Anc. Egypt, ii. (ed. 4), 32. The Apis bull … had his train of attendant priests … his grooms and curry-combers.
