# heckle

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈhɛkəl/ · frequency rank #59,441

## Definitions
1. To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.
2. To insult, tease, make fun of or badger, especially during a comedy performance.
3. To prepare (flax) for spinning, using special combs called hackles.

## Etymology
Transferred usage of Middle English hekelen (“to comb flax or hemp with a heckle”), from hekele (“a comb for flax or hemp”), from Middle Dutch hekelen (“to prickle, irritate”), from Proto-West Germanic *hakilōn, from Proto-Germanic *hakilōną, related to *hakô (“hook”). Related to hackle.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/heckle