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Word: hackle (lookup usage) (lookup stats)


Meaning:

Noun:

  • A feather plume on some soldier's uniforms, especially the hat or helmet.
  • An instrument with steel pins used to comb out flax or hemp. from 15th c.
  • A plate with rows of pointed needles used to blend or straighten hair. from 20th c.
  • from 17th c.
  • now|in plural By extension (because the hackles of a cock are lifted when it's angry), the hair on the nape of the neck in dogs and other animals; also used figuratively for humans. from 19th c.
  • now|in plural One of the long, narrow feathers on the neck of birds, most noticeable on the cock. from 15th c.

Source: Wiktionary | Src Info »

Verb:

  • To dress (flax or hemp) with a hackle; to prepare fibres of flax or hemp for spinning. from 17th c.

Source: Wiktionary | Src Info »