~ 1
■ noun
1》 the back part of the foot below the ankle.
↘the part of the palm of the hand next to the wrist.
2》 the part of a shoe or boot supporting the ~.
3》 informal, dated an inconsiderate or untrustworthy person.
4》 the end of a violin bow at which it is held.
5》 the part of the head of a golf club nearest the shaft.
6》 a crusty end of a loaf of bread.
7》 a piece of the main stem of a plant left attached to the base of a cutting.
■ exclamation a command to a dog to walk close behind its owner.
■ verb
1》 fit or renew a ~ on (a shoe or boot).
2》 Rugby push or kick (the ball) out of the back of the scrum with one's ~.
3》 Golf strike (the ball) with the ~ of the club.
4》 touch the ground with the ~ when dancing.
Phrases
at (or on ) the ~s of following closely after.
bring someone to ~ bring someone under control.
cool (or Brit. kick ) one's ~s be kept waiting.
kick up one's ~s N. Amer. have a lively, enjoyable time.
take to one's ~s run away.
turn ( on one's ) ~ turn sharply.
Derivatives
-~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
OE hēla , hla , of Gmc origin; related to hough .
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~ 2
■ verb (of a ship) lean over owing to the pressure of wind or an uneven load.
■ noun an instance of ~ing, or the amount that a ship ~s.
Origin
C16: from obs. ~d , hield 'incline', of Gmc origin.
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~ 3
■ verb ( ~ something in ) set a plant in the ground and cover its roots.
Origin
OE helian 'cover, hide', of Gmc origin.