Hackle \Hac"kle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Hackled} (h[a^]k"k'ld);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Hackling} (h[a^]k"kl[i^]ng).]
1. To separate, as the coarse part of flax or hemp from the
fine, by drawing it through the teeth of a hackle or
hatchel.
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2. To tear asunder; to break in pieces.
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The other divisions of the kingdom being hackled and
torn to pieces. --Burke.
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