Any flimsy substance unspun, such as raw silk.
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.
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 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.
A substance used to soak into a surface and colour it.
A reagent or dye used to stain microscope specimens so as to make some structures visible.
A discoloured spot or area.
Any of a number of non-standard tinctures used in modern heraldry.
A blemish on one's character or reputation.
To cause to seem inferior or soiled by comparison.
To coat a surface with a stain
To treat (a microscopic specimen) with a dye, especially one that dyes specific features
To taint or tarnish someone's character or reputation
To discolour.
To become stained; to take a stain.