Definition of "herl" [herl]

• The barb of a feather used in trimming an artificial fly for angling. (noun)
• A fishing fly made with this type of barb. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Peacock herl is no stranger to nymphs, and has been a staple on many of the more famous imitations available."
• "Was using a woolly worm I tied myself. 10-2x hook wrapped with lead wire, a peacock herl body, and grizzly hackle."
• "If you take off all of the fuzz on peacock herl, you are left with a durable stem that is light brown and flat."