the back part of the human foot, below and behind the ankle.

an analogous part in other vertebrates.

either hind foot or hoof of some animals, as the horse.

the foot as a whole

He was hung by the heels.

the part of a stocking, shoe, or the like covering the back part of the wearer's foot.

a solid, raised base or support of leather, wood, rubber, etc., attached to the sole of a shoe or boot under the back part of the foot.

heels, high-heeled shoes.

something resembling the back part of the human foot in position, shape, etc.

a heel of bread.

the rear of the palm, adjacent to the wrist.

the latter or concluding part of anything

the heel of a session.

the lower end of any of various more or less vertical objects, as rafters, spars, or the sternposts of vessels.

Nautical .

the after end of a keel.

the inner end of a bowsprit or jib boom.

the crook in the head of a golf club.

Building Trades . the exterior angle of an angle iron.

Railroads . the end of a frog farthest from a switch.

Horticulture . the base of any part, as of a cutting or tuber, that is removed from a plant for use in the propagation of that plant.

to follow at the heels of; chase closely.

to furnish with heels, as shoes.

to perform (a dance) with the heels.

Golf . to strike (the ball) with the heel of the club.

to arm (a gamecock) with spurs.

(of a dog) to follow at one's heels on command.

to use the heels, as in dancing. ?

heel in, to cover temporarily (the roots and most of the stem of a plant) with soil prior to permanent planting. ?

at one's heels

close behind one

The police are at his heels. Also, at heel.

cool one's heels, to be kept waiting

esp. because of deliberate discourtesy

The producer let the actors who were waiting to be auditioned cool their heels in the outer office.

down at the heels, having a shabby, slipshod, or slovenly appearance. Also, down at heel, down at the heel, out at heels

out at the heels.

his heels, Cribbage . a jack turned up as a starter

counting two points for the dealer.

kick up one's heels

to have a vigorously entertaining time; frolic

Grandfather could still kick up his heels now and then.

lay by the heels

to arrest and imprison.

to prevail over; render ineffectual

Superior forces laid the invaders by the heels.

on or upon the heels of

closely following; in quick succession of

On the heels of the hurricane came an outbreak of looting.

show a clean pair of heels

to leave one's pursuers or competitors behind; outrun

The thief showed his victim a clean pair of heels. Also, show one's heels to.

take to one's heels

to run away; take flight

The thief took to his heels as soon as he saw the police.

to heel

close behind

The dog followed the hunter to heel.

under control or subjugation

The attackers were brought swiftly to heel.

verb

attend , obey , tag , trail , cant , lean , list , rake , slant , slope , tilt , tip , cad , careen , dastard , end , incline , knave , knob , oppression , rascal , rogue , scoundrel , swine , tyranny

noun

cant , grade , gradient , incline , lean , list , rake , slant , slope , tilt , tip