what is a wattle
(plural wattles) 1  A construction of branches and twigs woven together to form a wall, barrier, fence, or roof. 2  A single twig or rod laid on a roof to support the thatch. 3  A wrinkled fold of skin, sometimes brightly coloured, hanging from the neck of birds (such as chicken and turkey) and some lizards.  A barbel of a fish.