[heel] n [ME, fr. OE hela; akin to ON haell heel, OE hoh--more at hock] (bef. 12c) 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; esp: 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 adj -- 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
[2]heel vt (1605) 1 a: to furnish with a heel b: to supply esp. with money
2. a: to exert pressure on, propel, or strike with the heel "~ed her horse" b: to urge (as a lagging animal) by following closely or by nipping at the heels "dogs ~ing cattle" ~ vi: to move along at someone's heels [3]heel vb [alter. of ME heelden, fr. OE hieldan; akin to OHG hald inclined, Lith salis side, region] vi (1575): to lean to one side: tip; esp, of a boat or ship: to lean temporarily (as from the action of wind or waves)--compare list ~ vt: to cause (a boat) to heel [4]heel n (1760): a tilt (as of a boat) to one side; also: the extent of such a tilt