(1):

(n.) One of the peculiar, long, narrow feathers on the neck of fowls, most noticeable on the cock, - often used in making artificial flies; hence, any feather so used.

(2):

(v. t.) To tear asunder; to break in pieces.

(3):

(v. t.) To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or hatchel.

(4):

(n.) A comb for dressing flax, raw silk, etc.; a hatchel.

(5):

(n.) Any flimsy substance unspun, as raw silk.

(6):

(n.) An artificial fly for angling, made of feathers.