noun

1. a comblike instrument for separating the fibers of flax, hemp, etc.
2. 1. any of the long, slender feathers at the neck of a rooster, peacock, pigeon, etc.
   2. such feathers, collectively
3. Fishing
   1. a tuft of feathers from a rooster's neck, used in making artificial flies
   2. a fly made with a hackle
4. the hairs on a dog's neck and back that bristle, as when the dog is ready to fight

Etymology: ME hechele (akin to Ger hechel) < OE *hæcel < IE base *keg-, a peg, hook > hack, hook: senses 2, 3, & 4, prob. infl. by dial. hackle, bird's plumage, animal's skin < OE hacele

transitive verb hackled -·led, hackling -·ling

1. to separate the fibers of (flax, hemp, etc.) with a hackle
2. Rare to supply (a fishing fly) with a hackle