HEEL

n. & v. --n. 1 the back part of the foot below the ankle. 2 the corresponding part in vertebrate animals. 3 a the part of a sock etc. covering the heel. b the part of a shoe or boot supporting the heel. 4 a thing like a heel in form or position, e.g. the part of the palm next to the wrist, the end of a violin bow at which it is held, or the part of a golf club near where the head joins the shaft. 5 the crust end of a loaf of bread. 6 colloq. a person regarded with contempt or disapproval. 7 (as int.) a command to a dog to walk close to its owner's heel. --v. 1 tr. fit or renew a heel on (a shoe or boot). 2 intr. touch the ground with the heel as in dancing. 3 intr. (foll. by out) Rugby Football pass the ball with the heel. 4 tr. Golf strike (the ball) with the heel of the club. øat heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) under control. at (or on) the heels of following closely after (a person or event). cool (or kick) one's heels be kept waiting. down at heel 1 (of a shoe) with the heel worn down. 2 (of a person) shabby. take to one's heels run away. to heel 1 (of a dog) close behind. 2 (of a person etc.) under control. turn on one's heel turn sharply round. well-heeled colloq. wealthy. øøheelless adj. [OE hela, hóla f. Gmc]