barb /bɑːb $ bɑːrb/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: barbe 'barb, beard' , from Latin barba ]
1 . the sharp curved point of a hook, ↑ arrow etc that prevents it from being easily pulled out
2 . a remark that is clever and amusing, but also cruel
⇨ ↑ barbed