Barley beard (3)
I believe the answer is:
awn
'barley beard' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for awn that I've seen before include "Bristly head of barley sheath, quite wan" , "Bristle growing on barley" , "Stiff bristle on grasses" , "Grass "beard"" , "Beard of plant" .)