n. [ See Heckle, and cf. Hatchel. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. A comb for dressing flax, raw silk, etc.; a hatchel. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Any flimsy substance unspun, as raw silk. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. An artificial fly for angling, made of feathers. [ 1913 Webster ]