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.
2. To tear asunder; to break in pieces.
The other divisions of the kingdom being hackled and torn to pieces. --Burke.