The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Barbel \Bar"bel\ (b[aum]r"b[e^]l), n.[OF. barbel, F. barbeau,
   dim. of L. barbus barbel, fr. barba beard. See 1st Barb.]
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   1. (Zool.) A slender tactile organ on the lips of certain
      fishes.
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   2. (Zool.) A large fresh-water fish (Barbus vulgaris) found
      in many European rivers. Its upper jaw is furnished with
      four barbels.
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   3. pl. Barbs or paps under the tongues of horses and cattle.
      See 1st Barb, 3.
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