Bär'na-cle, n.

noun

(bär'na-kl), n. [Fr. bernacle, bernache or barnache, Pg. bernaca, bernacha, bernicHa, Sp. bernacho, L. Lat. bernacula, bernicla, bernicha, bernaca, bernaz, prob. for lepas or anas hibernica, or hibernicula, because they were found in Hibernia or Ireland.]

(Conch.) Any species of the Balanidæ, a family of sessile crustaceans. The shells are common along sea-shores, where they adhere to rocks, timber, vessels, &c. See CIRRIPED. Dana.
(Ornith.) A species of goose (Anas lucopsis), found in the northern seas, but visiting more southern climates in winter.

Formerly the strange notion prevailed that these birds grew out of the barnacles attached to wood in the sea. Hence the name. Pennant.

(pl.) (Far.) An instrument consisting of two branches, joined at one end with a hinge, to put upon a horse's nose, to confine him for shoeing, bleeding, or dressing. [Formerly used in the sing.]
(pl.) A pair of spectacles;—so called from their resemblance to the barnacles used by farriers. [Cant. Eng.] Motteux. Dickens.