heel

HEEL, noun [Latin calx; Gr. a tumor.] 1. The hind part of the foot, particularly of man; but it is applied also to the corresponding part of the feet of quadrupeds. 2. The whole foot. The stag recalls his strength, his speed, His winged heels-- 3. The hind part of a shoe, either for man or beast. 4. The part of a stocking intended for the heel To be out at the heels, is to have on stockings that are worn out. 5. Something shaped like the human heel; a protuberance or knob. 6. The latter part; as, a bill was introduced into the legislature at the heel of the session. 7. A spur. This horse understands the heel well. 8. The after end of a ship's keel; the lower end of the stern-post to which it is connected; also, the lower end of a mast. To be at the heels, to pursue closely; to follow hard; also, to attend closely. Hungry want is at my heels. To show the heels, to flee; to run from. To take to the heels, to flee; to betake to flight. To lay by the heels, to fetter; to shackle; to confine. To have the heels of, to outrun. Neck and heels, the whole length of the body. HEEL, verb intransitive To dance. HEEL, verb transitive To arm a cock. 1. To add a heel to; as, to heel a shoe. HEEL verb intransitive To incline; to lean; as a ship; as, the ship heels a-port, or a star-board.