{i} fleshy filament that grows from the mouth or head of some fish; (Zoology) feeler, body organ used for touching or feeling (i.e. antennae, tentacle, etc.); type of fish with barbels
[ 'bär-b&l ] (noun.) 14th century. Middle English, from Middle French, from Vulgar Latin barbellus, diminutive of Latin barbus barbel, from barba beard; more at BEARD.