n The point that stands backward in an arrow, fishhook, etc., to prevent it from being easily extracted. Hence: Anything which stands out with a sharp point obliquely or crosswise to something else.
n (zoology) A southern name for the kingfishes of the eastern and southeastern coasts of the United States; -- also improperly called whiting.
n pap | Paps, or little projections, of the mucous membrane, which mark the opening of the submaxillary glands under the tongue in horses and cattle. The name is mostly applied when the barbs are inflamed and swollen. [Written also barbel and barble.]
n A plastic fastener, shaped roughly like a capital I (with serifs), used to attach socks etc. to their packaging.
v To furnish with barbs, or with that which will hold or hurt like barbs, as an arrow, fishhook, spear, etc.
