Hatchel
/ˈhætʃəl/noun
A tool with rows of sharp metal teeth used to comb flax or hemp, or a similar combing device.
Did you know?Hatchel comes from the same Germanic root as words like hook and hitch, all tied to the idea of catching, seizing, or snagging.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hākilō / *hakkilō
“A hooked or toothed implement; something that catches or snags”
Old English
OE
hæcel
“A comb or carding tool, especially for flax or hemp”
Middle English
ME
hatchel
“A flax-comb with sharp iron teeth”
Early Modern English
English
hatchell / hatchel
“A toothed comb for dressing flax, hemp, or wool”
Modern English
English
hatchel
“A combing tool with sharp teeth, especially for flax or hemp”