Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

heckler

 - 3 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.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

heckle 
"to question severely in a bid to find weaknesses," 1788, transferred usage of hekelen "to comb (flax or hemp) with a heckle," from M.E. hekele "a comb for flax or hemp" (1325), from M.Du. hekelen, the original sense of which was "to prickle, irritate," from P.Gmc. *khakilo- (related to hackle). "Long applied in Scotland to the public questioning of parliamentary candidates" [OED].
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see heckler on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way