Background for heckle

heckle

/ˈhɛkəl/

Illustration heckle - Image 1

Illustration heckle - Image 2

noun

An instrument with steel pins used to comb out flax or hemp.

Examples :

"The farmer used the heckle to separate the flax fibers. "

utensil agriculture machine

Illustration heckle - Image 1

noun

(usually now in the plural) One of the long, narrow feathers on the neck of birds, most noticeable on the rooster.

Examples :

"The rooster puffed out its chest, displaying its vibrant red and gold heckle. "

bird animal body part

Illustration heckle - Image 1

noun

A feather used to make a fishing lure or a fishing lure incorporating a feather.

Examples :

"The fisherman carefully tied the bright red heckle to his fishing line. "

Illustration heckle - Image 1

noun

(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.

Examples :

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

animal body physiology

Illustration heckle - Image 1

noun

A plate with rows of pointed needles used to blend or straighten hair.

Examples :

"My grandmother used a special heckle to straighten her granddaughter's unruly hair. "

utensil machine item

Illustration heckle - Image 1

noun

A feather plume on some soldier's uniforms, especially the hat or helmet.

Examples :

"The Scottish soldier's bonnet was adorned with a vibrant red heckle. "

military wear appearance

Illustration heckle - Image 1

Illustration heckle - Image 2

noun

Any flimsy substance unspun, such as raw silk.

Examples :

"The weaver used the raw heckle to begin the silk-weaving process. "

material substance

Illustration heckle - Image 1

noun

The long shining feathers on a cock's neck.

Examples :

"The rooster's vibrant red heckle caught the morning sunlight. "

animal bird part

Illustration heckle - Image 1

noun

A feather ornament in the full-dress bonnets of Highland regiments.

Examples :

"The Highland regiment's officer wore a fine heckle on his bonnet. "

appearance wear military culture

Illustration heckle - Image 1

Illustration heckle - Image 2

verb

To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.

Examples :

"The teacher was heckled by students during the presentation, questioning his methods and challenging his claims about the new math curriculum. "

communication entertainment politics action media

Illustration heckle - Image 1

Illustration heckle - Image 2

verb

To insult, tease, make fun of or badger.

Examples :

"The audience members heckled the comedian relentlessly during his stand-up routine. "

communication entertainment action society

Illustration heckle - Image 1

Illustration heckle - Image 2

verb

To prepare flax for spinning using special combs called hackles

Examples :

"The farmer used special combs to heckle the flax before spinning it into thread. "

agriculture material process work