barbel

Barb Barb (b[aum]rb), n. [F. barbe, fr. L. barba beard. See {Beard}, n.] 1. Beard, or that which resembles it, or grows in the place of it. [1913 Webster]

The barbel, so called by reason of his barbs, or wattles in his mouth. --Walton. [1913 Webster]

2. A muffler, worn by nuns and mourners. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

3. pl. Paps, or little projections, of the mucous membrane, which mark the opening of the submaxillary glands under the tongue in horses and cattle. The name is mostly applied when the barbs are inflamed and swollen. [Written also {barbel} and {barble}.] [1913 Webster]

4. The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else. ``Having two barbs or points.'' --Ascham. [1913 Webster]

5. A bit for a horse. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

6. (Zo["o]l.) One of the side branches of a feather, which collectively constitute the vane. See {Feather}. [1913 Webster]

7. (Zo["o]l.) A southern name for the kingfishes of the eastern and southeastern coasts of the United States; -- also improperly called {whiting}. [1913 Webster]

8. (Bot.) A hair or bristle ending in a double hook. [1913 Webster]