Dictionary entry

Hackle

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Hac″kle (hăk″k'l), n. [See Heckle, and cf. Hatchel.]

1. A comb for dressing flax, raw silk, etc.; a hatchel.

2. Any flimsy substance unspun, as raw silk.

3. 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.

4. An artificial fly for angling, made of feathers.