Bär'bel, n.

n. [Fr. barbel, barbeau, D. barbeel, Ger. barbe, bärbele, dim. of Lat. barbus, from barba, beard, hence equiv. to Lat. mullus barbatus, or mullus barbatulus.]

1. A small vermiform process appended to the mouth of certain fishes, and subservient to the sense of touch. Brande.
2. (Ichth.) A large fresh-water fish (Barbus vulgaris) found in many European rivers. It is about three feet long, and has been known to attain the weight of 18 pounds; its upper jaw is furnished with four barbels or beard-like appendages. Baird.
3. A knot of superfluous flesh growing in the channels of a horse's mouth.