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Heckler

- 2 dictionary results

heck⋅le

  [hek-uhl] verb, -led, -ling, noun
Use Heckler in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to harass (a public speaker, performer, etc.) with impertinent questions, gibes, or the like; badger.
2. hackle 1 (def. 7).
–noun
3. hackle 1 (def. 5).
Origin:
1275–1325; ME hekelen, var. of hechelen to comb flax; akin to hackle 1 , hatchel

Related forms:
heckler, noun

Synonyms:
1. bait, provoke, needle, hector, hound.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Heckler
heck·le   (hěk'əl)   
tr.v.   heck·led, heck·ling, heck·les
  1. To try to embarrass and annoy (someone speaking or performing in public) by questions, gibes, or objections; badger.
  2. To comb (flax or hemp) with a hatchel.

[Middle English hekelen, to comb with a hatchel, from hekel, hatchel, from Middle Dutch; see keg- in Indo-European roots.]
heck'ler n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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