Main Entry: ¹heel

Pronunciation: \ˈhēl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hēla; akin to Old Norse hæll heel, Old English hōh — 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 \ˈhēl-ləs\ 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