Heel

Heel, hēl, n. the part of the foot projecting behind: the whole foot (esp. of beasts): the covering of the heel, as on a boot: a spur: the hinder part of anything.—v.t. to use the heel: to furnish with heels: to arm with a steel spur, as a fighting cock: to seize by the heels: (U.S.) to supply with money.—v.i. to follow well (of a dog).—n. Heel′-ball, a black waxy composition for blacking the heels and soles of boots, for taking impressions of coins, &c., by rubbing: a shoemaker's last.—p.adj. Heeled, provided with a heel, shod: (U.S.) comfortably supplied with money.—n. Heel′er (U.S.), an unscrupulous hanger-on of a political party; Heel′piece, a piece or cover for the heel; Heel′-tap, a small quantity of beer or spirits left in the glass after drinking.—Heel and toe, with proper walking, as opposed to running; Heels o'er gowdy (Scot.), heels over head; Heels over head, upside down.—At, On, Upon, a person's heels, close behind; Down at heel, having the heels of one's shoes trodden down: slovenly: in poor circumstances; Kick one's heels, to be kept waiting for some time; Lay, Set, Clap, by the heels, to fetter: to put in confinement; Out at heels, having the stockings or shoes worn out at the heels; Show a clean pair of heels, Take to one's heels, to run off with haste: to flee; Trip up (one's) heels, to trip up or overthrow him; Turn on (upon) one's heel, to turn sharply round, to turn back or away. [A.S. héla; Dut. hiel.]