Barbel (bärb&ebreve_;l), n.[OF. barbel, F. barbeau, dim. of L. barbus barbel, fr. barba beard. See 1st Barb.][1913 Webster]
1. (Zoöl.) A slender tactile organ on the lips of certain fishes.[1913 Webster]
2. (Zoöl.) A large fresh-water fish (Barbus vulgaris) found in many European rivers. Its upper jaw is furnished with four barbels.[1913 Webster]
3. pl. Barbs or paps under the tongues of horses and cattle. See 1st Barb, 3.[1913 Webster]