Definition of "heckle" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To question harshly in an attempt to find or reveal weaknesses.

2. (transitive) To insult, tease, make fun of or badger, especially during a comedy performance.

   • Promise that you won't heckle me after my performance.

3. (textiles) To prepare (flax) for spinning, using special combs called hackles.

noun

1. Alternative form of hackle (“tool for separating flax”).

2. The long shining feathers on a cock's neck.

3. A feather ornament in the full-dress bonnets of Highland regiments.

4. An rude interruption during a show, especially a comedy performance

   • The stand-up dealt well with the heckles from the crowd, replying with raucous banter to raise plenty of laughs.