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Want to get published? Here's your chance to get recognized. Click to learn more! Sponsored by Penguin Putnam Publishing. http://www.insidesessions.com/promos/promowriting.asp?rid=680 *************************************************************** The Word of the Day for December 27 is: hackle \HAK-ul\ (noun) 1 : one of the long feathers on the neck or back of a bird 2 plural : hairs (as on a dog's neck) that can be erected *3 plural : temper, dander Example sentence: Paul's letter to the editor, which referred to "the sorry state of our public schools," raised some hackles among local teachers. Did you know? In its earliest uses in the 15th century, "hackle" denoted either a bird's neck plumage or an instrument used to comb out long fibers of flax, hemp, or jute. Apparently, some folks saw a resemblance between the neck feathers of domestic birds -- which, on a male, become erect when the bird is defensive -- and the prongs of the comb-like tool. In the 19th century, English speakers extended the word's use to both dogs and people. Like the bird's feathers, the erectile hairs on the back of a dog's neck stand up when the animal is agitated. With humans, use of the word "hackles" is usually figurative. When you raise someone's hackles, you make them angry or put them on the defensive. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. ---------------- Brought to you by Merriam-Webster, Inc. http://www.Merriam-Webster.com ---------------- *************************************************************** Resolve to introduce your family to the world of Word Central this coming year -- the language site for kids and parents. http://www.wordcentral.com *************************************************************** Subscribe or unsubscribe to Word of the Day via the Web at: http://www.Merriam-Webster.com/service/subinst.htm To join the list via e-mail, send a blank e-mail to: mw-wod-subscribe-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com To leave the list via e-mail, send a blank e-mail to: mw-wod-signoff-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com Questions about your subscription? Write to: mw-wod-request@listserv.webster.m-w.com Questions or comments about the Word of the Day? Write to: word@Merriam-Webster.com © 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
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