Definitions:

1. A tool used for combing flax or hemp fibers to separate the long, desirable fibers from the shorter ones. NOUN
   • The artisan used a hackle to prepare the flax fibers for spinning.
2. Can be used metaphorically to describe a person's state of anger or agitation, often in the phrase 'raise someone's hackles'. NOUN
   • His rude comments raised her hackles, and she responded sharply.
3. The erectile hairs along the back of a dog, cat, or other animal that rise when the animal is agitated or alarmed. NOUN
   • The dog's hackles rose as it sensed the stranger approaching.
4. The neck feathers of a bird, particularly a domestic rooster, which can be raised when the bird is alarmed or displaying aggression. NOUN
   • The rooster's hackles stood up as it prepared to defend his territory.

Synonyms:

• combing tool
• Erect hairs/feathers
• Quills

NearBy Words:

• hackles