Class: noun | Syllables: HAK-ulz

Definition: Hackles are hairs along the neck and back of an animal (especially a dog) that are capable of being raised to a stiff, upright position (as when a dog is frightened or angry). The plural noun hackles is often used figuratively with raise or rise to describe a person's response to something that causes anger or annoyance; thus, hackles can also mean “temper” or “dander” (as in “don't get your temper/dander up”).

Example(s):
// A number of the issues discussed in the political debate raised some hackles among members of the opposing party.