barbicel
(ˈbɑːbɪsəl)
[ad. It. and mod.L. barbicella, dim. of barba beard; cf. L. pedicellus pedicel, dim. of pediculus, f. pes foot.]
One of the minute hooked filaments which serve to interlock the barbules of a bird's feathers.
| 1869 Gillmore Rept. & Birds Introd. 186 The barbules themselves frequently throw out filaments..called barbicels. 1874 Coues Birds N.W. 270 The fine barbules and barbicels. |