"hackle" Definition

Definitions for the word "hackle" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
A comb for dressing flax, raw silk, etc.; a hatchel.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
Any flimsy substance unspun, as raw silk.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
One of the peculiar, long, narrow feathers on the neck of fowls, most noticeable on the cock, -- often used in making artificial flies; hence, any feather so used.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
An artificial fly for angling, made of feathers.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or hatchel.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To tear asunder; to break in pieces.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
1 a (in pl.) Erectile hairs on an animal''s neck, rising when it is angry or alarmed. B feather(s) on the neck of a domestic cock etc. 2 steel comb for dressing flax. make one''s hackles rise cause one to be angry or indignant. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
8. slang
pluck; “to show HACKLE,” to be willing to fight. HACKLES are the long feathers on the back of a cock’s neck, which he erects when angry,—hence the metaphor.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "hackle" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "hackle" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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