/ bɑːb; NAmE bɑːrb/ noun
1.
the point of an arrow or a hook that is curved backwards to make it difficult to pull out
2.
a remark that is meant to hurt sb's feelings
—see also barbed
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (denoting a piece of linen worn over or under the chin by nuns): from Old French barbe , from Latin barba beard.