from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Barbel \Bar"bel\ (b[aum]r"b[e^]l), n.[OF. barbel, F. barbeau,
dim. of L. barbus barbel, fr. barba beard. See 1st {Barb}.]
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1. (Zool.) A slender tactile organ on the lips of certain
fishes.
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2. (Zool.) A large fresh-water fish ({Barbus vulgaris}) found
in many European rivers. Its upper jaw is furnished with
four barbels.
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3. pl. Barbs or paps under the tongues of horses and cattle.
See 1st {Barb}, 3.
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