hack‧les /ˈhækəlz/ noun [plural]
[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: Probably from an unrecorded Old English hacule 'small hook']

1. sb’s hackles rise if someone’s hackles rise, they begin to feel very angry, because someone’s behaviour or attitude offends them:
Laura heard his remark, and felt her hackles rising.
raise sb’s hackles (=make someone angry)
His tactless remarks were enough to raise anyone’s hackles.

2. the long feathers or hairs on the back of the neck of some animals and birds, which stand up straight when they are in danger

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲