The process of combing or separating fibers (like flax or hemp) using a hackle, or heckling someone with disruptive comments.
Present participle of 'hackle.' The original meaning comes from the tool use of hackles in textile production; the heckling sense developed from the idea of 'tearing at' something with comments.
Medieval textile workers with hackles were the original multi-taskers—they combed fibers while standing, talking, and organizing their workshops, much like modern factory efficiency, but in reverse!
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