barb
1
barb
(bärb) noun
1.
A sharp point projecting in reverse direction to the main point of a weapon or tool, as on an arrow or fishhook.
2.
A cutting remark.
3.
Zoology. One of the parallel filaments projecting from the main shaft of a feather.
4. Botany. A short, sharply hooked bristle or hairlike projection.
5. See barbel1.
6. Any of various Old World freshwater fishes of the genus Barbus or Puntius and related genera.
7. A linen covering for a woman's head, throat, and chin worn in medieval times.
verb
, transitive
barbed, barbing, barbs
To provide or furnish with a barb.
[Middle English barbe, from Old French, beard, from Latin barba.]