Dictionary

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.

Example: When the dog got angry, his hackles rose and he growled.

To dress (flax or hemp) with a hackle; to prepare fibres of flax or hemp for spinning.

To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or hatchel.

To tear asunder; to break into pieces.