herl

American  

[hurl] / hɜrl /

noun

1. a barb of a feather, used especially in dressing anglers' flies.

2. an artificial fly dressed with a herl.

---

herl British  

/ hɜːl /

noun

1. the barb or barbs of a feather, used to dress fishing flies

2. an artificial fly dressed with such barbs

---

Etymology

Origin of herl

1300–50; Middle English; cognate with Middle Low German herle, harle, Low German harl fibre, hair of flax or hemp

Example Sentences

What did be think I coaid do jot herl We’re here to fight wildlings. not save them.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Little Black Ant—feather of a Bluecap's tail for wings, black Ostrich herl dressed small in the middle for body, brown hackle for legs.

From The Teesdale Angler by Lakeland, R.

Stone Fly,—Mallard's feather from the back,—very large for wings,—two strands of yellow, and one of drab,—Ostrich herl neatly ribbed,—tie with brown silk.—horns and tail, black cat's whiskers.

From The Teesdale Angler by Lakeland, R.

Red Clock,—wings and legs red; Peacock's brown herl, and bright red silk for body.

From The Teesdale Angler by Lakeland, R.

Body greenish herl of Peacock,—ribbed with gold tinsel,—wrapt with red silk,—red hackle over all.

From The Teesdale Angler by Lakeland, R.