- A sharp point projecting in reverse direction to the main point of a weapon or tool, as on an arrow or fishhook.
- A cutting remark.
- Zoology. One of the parallel filaments projecting from the main shaft of a feather.
- Botany. A short, sharply hooked bristle or hairlike projection.
- See barbel1.
- Any of various Old World freshwater fishes of the genus Barbus or Puntius and related genera.
- A linen covering for a woman's head, throat, and chin worn in medieval times.
To provide or furnish with a barb.
[Middle English barbe, from Old French, beard, from Latin barba.]
barb2 (bärb)

n.
- A horse of a breed introduced by the Moors into Spain from northern Africa that resembles the Arabians and is known for its speed and endurance.
- One of a breed of domestic pigeons that is similar to the carrier and has dark plumage.
[French barbe, from Italian barbero, Berber, from Vulgar Latin *Barbaria, Barbary States, from Latin barbarus, barbarous. See barbarous.]





