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Heckle

//ˈhɛkəl// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Alternative form of hackle (“tool for separating flax”). alt-of, alternative
  2. 2
    a comb for separating flax fibers wordnet
  3. 3
    The long shining feathers on a cock's neck.
  4. 4
    A feather ornament in the full-dress bonnets of Highland regiments.
  5. 5
    An rude interruption during a show, especially a comedy performance

    "The stand-up dealt well with the heckles from the crowd, replying with raucous banter to raise plenty of laughs."

Verb
  1. 1
    To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses. transitive
  2. 2
    challenge aggressively wordnet
  3. 3
    To insult, tease, make fun of or badger, especially during a comedy performance. transitive

    "Promise that you won't heckle me after my performance."

  4. 4
    comb with a heckle wordnet
  5. 5
    To prepare (flax) for spinning, using special combs called hackles.

Etymology

Etymology 1

Transferred usage of Middle English hekelen (“to comb flax or hemp with a heckle”), from hekele (“a comb for flax or hemp”), from Middle Dutch hekelen (“to prickle, irritate”), from Proto-West Germanic *hakilōn, from Proto-Germanic *hakilōną, related to *hakô (“hook”). Related to hackle.

Etymology 2

Transferred usage of Middle English hekelen (“to comb flax or hemp with a heckle”), from hekele (“a comb for flax or hemp”), from Middle Dutch hekelen (“to prickle, irritate”), from Proto-West Germanic *hakilōn, from Proto-Germanic *hakilōną, related to *hakô (“hook”). Related to hackle.

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