heckle
/ˈhɛkəl/
Dictionary
noun
- An instrument with steel pins used to comb out flax or hemp.
- (usually now in the plural) One of the long, narrow feathers on the neck of birds, most noticeable on the rooster.
- A feather used to make a fishing lure or a fishing lure incorporating a feather.
- (usually now in the plural) By extension (because the hackles of a rooster are lifted when it is angry), the hair on the nape of the neck in dogs and other animals; also used figuratively for humans.
"When the dog got angry, his hackles rose and he growled."
- A plate with rows of pointed needles used to blend or straighten hair.
- A feather plume on some soldier's uniforms, especially the hat or helmet.
- Any flimsy substance unspun, such as raw silk.
noun
- The long shining feathers on a cock's neck.
- A feather ornament in the full-dress bonnets of Highland regiments.
verb
- To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.
- To insult, tease, make fun of or badger.
"Promise that you won't heckle me after my performance."
- To prepare flax for spinning using special combs called hackles
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