HACKLE (2)

hackle (2). Hackle, v. to dress flax or hemp

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Hac″kle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hackled (–k'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Hackling (–klĭng).] 1. 1. To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or hatchel.
2. 2. To tear asunder; to break in pieces.
The other divisions of the kingdom being hackled and torn to pieces. Burke.