barbel (barbel)

[ME. bar belle, barbylle, The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: Dictionary . barbel barbule.] 1. The common English name of the fish Barbus vulgar is, also extended to other species of the genus Barbus.-2. A small cylindrical vermiform proce appended to the mouth of certain fishes, serving as an organ of touch. -3. A knot of superfluous flesh growing in the channel of a horse's mouth. Also barble and barb. barbell a (bär-bel'ä), n.; pl. barbellæ (-ē). [NL., dim. of L. barb a, a beard. Cf. barbule and bar bel, 2, 3.] A small barb or bristle.