Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Barbel \Bar"bel\, n.[OE. barbel, F. barbeau, dim. of L. barbus
   barbel, fr. barba beard. See 1st {Barb}.]
   1. (Zo["o]l.) A slender tactile organ on the lips of certain
      fished.

   2. (Zo["o]l.) A large fresh-water fish ( Barbus vulgaris)
      found in many European rivers. Its upper jaw is furnished
      with four barbels.

   3. pl. Barbs or paps under the tongued of horses and cattle.
      See 1st {Barb}, 3.

Source : WordNet®

barbel
     n : slender tactile process on the jaws of a fish [syn: {feeler}]