To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or hatchel.
To dress (flax or hemp) with a hackle; to prepare fibres of flax or hemp for spinning.
By extension (because the hackles of a rooster are lifted when it is angry), the hair on the nape of the neck in dogs and other animals; also used figuratively for humans.
Any flimsy substance unspun, such as raw silk.
A feather plume on some soldier's uniforms, especially the hat or helmet.
A type of jagged crack extending inwards from the broken surface of a fractured material.
A feather used to make a fishing lure or a fishing lure incorporating a feather.
An instrument with steel pins used to comb out flax or hemp.
A plate with rows of pointed needles used to blend or straighten hair.
One of the long, narrow feathers on the neck of birds, most noticeable on the rooster.
To purify of coarseness, vulgarity, inelegance, etc.; to polish.
To improve in accuracy, delicacy, or excellence.
To become pure; to be cleared of impure matter.
To make nice or subtle.
To purify; reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; to free from impurities.