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Barbel

1. (Science: zoology) a slender tactile organ on the lips of certain fished.

2. (Science: zoology) a large fresh water fish (Barbus vulgaris) found in many European rivers. Its upper jaw is furnished with four barbels.

3. Barbs or paps under the tongued of horses and cattle. See 1st barb.

Origin: oe. Barbel, f. Barbeau, dim. Of L. Barbus barbel, fr. Barba beard. See 1st barb.