heel¹ (hēl)
n.

1. 1. The rounded posterior portion of the human foot under and behind the ankle.
   2. The corresponding part of the hind foot of other vertebrates.
   3. A similar anatomical part, such as the fleshy rounded base of the human palm or the hind toe of a bird.
2. 1. The part, as of a sock, shoe, or stocking, that covers the rounded posterior portion of the human foot.
   2. The built-up portion of a shoe or boot, supporting the heel.
3. One of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread.
4. The lower or rearward part, as:
   1. The part of the head of a golf club where it joins the shaft.
   2. The end of a violin bow where the handle is located.
5. Nautical.
   1. The lower end of a mast.
   2. The after end of a ship's keel.
6. Botany. The basal end of a plant cutting or tuber used in propagation.
7. Oppression; tyranny: under the heel of Stalinism; the heel of an autocrat.
8. Informal. A dishonorable man; a cad.

v., heeled, heel·ing, heels.

v.tr.

1. 1. To furnish with a heel or heels.
   2. To repair or replace the heels, as for shoes.
2. Slang. To furnish, especially with money.
3. To arm (a gamecock) with gaffs.
4. To press or strike with the heel: heel a horse.

v.intr.
To follow at one's heels: The dog won't heel.

idioms:

down at the heels

1. Having one's shoe heels worn down.
2. Shabby; rundown; poor.

lay by the heels

1. To put in fetters or shackles; imprison.

on (or upon) the heels of

1. Directly behind.
2. Immediately following.

out at the heel (or heels)

1. Having holes in one's socks or shoes.
2. Rundown; shabby; seedy.

take to (one's) heels

1. To run away; flee.

to heel

1. Close behind: The hound followed his master to heel.
2. Under discipline or control: The army swiftly brought the rebels to heel.

[Middle English, from Old English hēla.]

heel² (hēl)
intr. & tr.v., heeled, heel·ing, heels.
To tilt or cause to tilt to one side.

n.
A tilt, as of a boat, to one side.

[Alteration of Middle English helden, from Old English hieldan.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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