hackle

/ˈhækəl/noun
RareNot in standard dictionaries
1

An instrument with steel pins used to comb out flax or hemp.

2

One of the long, narrow feathers on the neck of birds, most noticeable on the rooster.

3

A feather used to make a fishing lure or a fishing lure incorporating a feather.

4

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.

5

A type of jagged crack extending inwards from the broken surface of a fractured material.

6

A plate with rows of pointed needles used to blend or straighten hair.

7

A feather plume on some soldier's uniforms, especially the hat or helmet.

8

Any flimsy substance unspun, such as raw silk.

9

Pluck; courage or energy.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing

#slang