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.
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The barbel, so called by reason of his barbs, or
wattles in his mouth. --Walton.
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2. A muffler, worn by nuns and mourners. [Obs.]
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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.]
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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.
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5. A bit for a horse. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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6. (Zool.) One of the side branches of a feather, which
collectively constitute the vane. See Feather.
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7. (Zool.) A southern name for the kingfishes of the eastern
and southeastern coasts of the United States; -- also
improperly called whiting.
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8. (Bot.) A hair or bristle ending in a double hook.
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