Literary notes about Barb (AI summary)
In literature, "barb" is employed with remarkable versatility, both as a literal and metaphorical device. At times it designates a physical projection—such as the sharp tip of an arrow, harpoon, or hook [1][2][3][4]—imbuing objects and actions with tangible, cutting qualities. In other contexts, the term assumes a figurative role, symbolizing the sting of an insult or the onset of suspicion, as seen when it represents a sharp, penetrating remark or emotion [5][6][7]. Additionally, "barb" may appear as a personal name or a term steeped in character, lending an air of familiarity or distinctiveness to its bearer [8][9][10]. This dual nature enriches its usage, allowing authors to seamlessly integrate physical imagery with deeper, emotive connotations.
- This is shaped somewhat like a fish hook, the barb being the harbor, the point being Point Pinos, the southern headland.
— from Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete by William T. Sherman - It is their especial duty to plant a kind of dart, tipped with an iron barb and ornamented with pieces of paper, in the bull's shoulder.
— from Wanderings in Spain by Théophile Gautier - When the animal is struck the blade cuts a wound large enough to allow the head to pass in beyond the barb.
— from The United States Bill of Rights The Ten Original Amendments to the Constitution of the United States by United States - In the canoe was a harpoon, very neatly made, with only one barb.
— from The Albert N'Yanza, Great Basin of the Nile, And Explorations of the Nile Sources by Baker, Samuel White, Sir - The pen is sharp and cuts like a knife,—but it is the surgeon’s knife, not the poisoned barb of a foreigner’s taunt.
— from A Walk from London to John O'Groat's With Notes by the Way by Elihu Burritt - The barb of suspicion had entered his brain.
— from The Prince of Graustark by George Barr McCutcheon - The words, seeming but too prophetic, pierce Jessie’s heart as arrow with poisoned barb.
— from The Death Shot: A Story Retold by Mayne Reid - "You," was on the tip of Barb's tongue, but she did not say it.
— from Sylvia Arden Decides by Margaret Piper Chalmers - What I'm going to tell you now, Barb, is on the square.
— from Laramie Holds the Range by Frank H. (Frank Hamilton) Spearman - “Barb’ra says sometimes letters are ’portant, an’ you don’t want to lose ’em.”
— from To the Highest Bidder by Florence Morse Kingsley
