n.
Pronunciation: ' h ē l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English h ē la; akin to Old Norse hæll heel, Old English h ō h ― more at HOCK
Date: before 12th century
1 a : the back of the human foot below the ankle and behind the arch b : the part of the hind limb of other vertebrates that is homologous with the human heel
2 : an anatomical structure suggestive of the human heel especially : the part of the palm of the hand nearest the wrist
3 : one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
4 a : the part (as of a shoe) that covers the human heel b : a solid attachment of a shoe or boot forming the back of the sole under the heel of the foot
5 : a rear, low, or bottom part: as a : the after end of a ship's keel or the lower end of a mast b : the base of a tuber or cutting of a plant used for propagation c : the base of a ladder
6 : a contemptible person
– heel · less \ ' h ē l-l ə s \ adjective
– by the heels : in a tight grip
– down at heel or down at the heel : in or into a run-down or shabby condition
– on the heels of : immediately following
– to heel
1 : close behind
2 : into agreement or line
– under heel : under control or subjection