n. The act of barring; specifically, the formation of an artificial obstruction in a watercourse, in order to increase the depth of the water, to facilitate irrigation, and for other purposes.n. The artificial bar thus formed; especially, one of those on the river Nile in Egypt.n. In playing instruments like the guitar, the application of the finger of the left hand across all or some of the strings near the nut, so as to shorten them uniformly and thus raise their pitch; a temporary nut. (See nut, 3. and capo tasto.) When the finger stops part of the strings the barrage is little; if all, great or grand.