n. [ In the language of the (Arawak or Taino) Indians of Guiana, barbacoa a frame on which all kinds of flesh and fish are roasted or smoke-dried. ] 1. a framework of metal or brick, usually with a grill on top, in which a fire is lighted and on which food is cooked, usually outdoors; -- also called a barbecue grill. [ PJC ]

2. A social entertainment, where people assemble, usually in the open air, at which a meal is prepared on a barbecue grill. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

3. A floor, on which coffee beans are sun-dried. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A hog, ox, or other large animal roasted or broiled whole for a feast. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Barbecued p. pr. & vb. n. Barbecuing. ] 1. To dry or cure by exposure on a frame or gridiron. [ 1913 Webster ]

They use little or no salt, but barbecue their game and fish in the smoke. Stedman. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To roast or broil whole, as an ox or hog. [ 1913 Webster ]

Send me, gods, a whole hog barbecued. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. Cooked on a barbecue.
Syn. -- grilled. [ WordNet 1.5 ]