heckle

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-Germanic *hakilōną, related to *hakô (“hook”). Related to hackle.

verb

1. (transitive) To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.
2. (transitive) To insult, tease, make fun of or badger, especially during a comedy performance.
   Promise that you won't heckle me after my performance.
3. (textiles) To prepare flax for spinning using special combs called hackles

noun

1. Alternative form of hackle (“tool for separating flax”)
2. The long shining feathers on a cock's neck.
3. A feather ornament in the full-dress bonnets of Highland regiments.
4. An interruption during a show, especially a comedy performance
   The stand-up dealt well with the heckles from the crowd, replying with raucous banter to raise plenty of laughs.