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Vocabulary Entry
hackles
|noun • verb
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N
noun
The hair along the back of an animal, especially a dog, that can stand up when the animal is excited or threatened.
Example Sentences
"The dog's hackles raised as he approached the unfamiliar cat."
"When startled, the horse's hackles bristled."
"You could see the hackles rise on the wolf as it sensed danger."
V
verb
To raise the hackles, typically of an animal, as a sign of aggression or submission.
Example Sentences
"The dog hacked when he felt threatened by the barking neighbor's dog."
"She could see the cat hackling when the dog got too close."
"When the fox was cornered, it hacked in defense."