Meaning of Hackle | Babel Free

Definitions

1. An instrument with steel pins used to comb out flax or hemp.
   countable, uncountable
2. One of the long, narrow feathers on the neck of birds, most noticeable on the rooster.
   countable, in-plural, uncountable, usually
3. A feather used to make a fishing lure or a fishing lure incorporating a feather.
   countable, uncountable
4. 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.
   countable, in-plural, uncountable, usually
5. A type of jagged crack extending inwards from the broken surface of a fractured material.
   countable, uncountable
6. A plate with rows of pointed needles used to blend or straighten hair.
   countable, uncountable
7. A feather plume on some soldier's uniforms, especially the hat or helmet.
   countable, uncountable
8. Any flimsy substance unspun, such as raw silk.
   countable, uncountable
9. Pluck; courage or energy.
   slang, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“When the dog got angry, his hackles rose and he growled.”

“Suppose⟳ it happened to be the case that the majority of individuals raised their hackles only when they were truly intending to go on for a very long time in the war of attrition. The obvious counterploy would evolve: individuals would give⟳ up immediately when an opponent raised his hackles.”

“"COME⟳ ALONG YE GRASS-COMBERS, SHOW⟳ some hackle," David Ingram, striding ahead, turned back and called.”

CEFR level