(1):
(n.) One of the peculiar, long, narrow feathers on the neck of fowls, most noticeable on the cock, - often used in making artificial flies; hence, any feather so used.
(2):
(v. t.) To tear asunder; to break in pieces.
(3):
(v. t.) To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or hatchel.
(4):
(n.) A comb for dressing flax, raw silk, etc.; a hatchel.
(5):
(n.) Any flimsy substance unspun, as raw silk.
(6):
(n.) An artificial fly for angling, made of feathers.