Dictionary

1hackle

noun hack·le \ˈha-kəl\

Definition of HACKLE

1
a :  one of the long narrow feathers on the neck or saddle of a bird
b :  the neck plumage of the domestic fowl
2
:  a comb or board with long metal teeth for dressing flax, hemp, or jute
3
plural
a :  erectile hairs along the neck and back especially of a dog
b :  temper, dander <the issue raised some hackles>
4
a :  an artificial fishing fly made chiefly of the filaments of a cock's neck feathers
b :  filaments of cock feather projecting from the head of an artificial fly
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Origin of HACKLE

Middle English hakell; akin to Old High German hāko hook — more at hook
First Known Use: 15th century

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

2hackle

verb
hack·ledhack·ling \ˈha-k(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of HACKLE

transitive verb
:  to comb out with a hackle
hack·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

First Known Use of HACKLE

1616

Rhymes with HACKLE

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