The barbel, so called by reason of his barbs, or
wattles in his mouth. --Walton.
2. A muffler, worn by nuns and mourners. [Obs.]
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}.]
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.
5. A bit for a horse. [Obs.] --Spenser.
6. (Zo["o]l.) One of the side branches of a feather, which
collectively constitute the vane. See {Feather}.
7. (Zo["o]l.) A southern name for the kingfishes of the
eastern and southeastern coasts of the United States; --
also improperly called {whiting}.
8. (Bot.) A hair or bristle ending in a double hook.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A large fresh-water fish ( Barbus vulgaris)
found in many European rivers. Its upper jaw is furnished
with four barbels.
3. pl. Barbs or paps under the tongued of horses and cattle.
See 1st {Barb}, 3.