Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hackle
noun
/ˈhæk.əl/
Definition
A hackle refers to a set of long, thin feathers used in fly fishing or to the hair along the neck or back of certain animals that stands up when they are angry or excited.
Examples
- The bird’s hackle feathers flared out when it felt threatened.
- He tied a fly for fishing using a hackle that mimicked the wings of an insect.
- During the dog show, the handler made sure to show off the dog’s glossy hackles.
Meaning
The term can also describe the act of causing such hair to stand up or refers to a type of comb used to separate flax or hemp fibers.
Synonyms
- neck feathers
- ruff
- crest
- comb
