Definitions

1. noun

a long, stiff, and sharp feather, especially one growing from the hackle of a bird’s neck, used for defense

“The hunter carefully plucked the hackle feathers from the pheasant’s neck.”

2. verb

to decorate or ornament with hackle feathers, or to make something resemble a bird’s hackle

“The artist hacked the edges of the cloak to give it a feathery, hackled look.”

3. verb

to tease or provoke someone, often in a playful manner

“Stop hacking me about my favorite TV show, I’m just trying to enjoy it.”