Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HEEL, n. [Sax. hel, hela; D. hiel; Sw. häl; Dan. hæl; L. calx. Qu. its alliance to Gr. κηλη, a tumor.]

1. The hind part of the foot, particularly of man; but it is applied also to the corresponding part of the feet of quadrupeds.
2. The whole foot. The stag recalls his strength, his speed, / His winged heels. Denham.
3. The hind part of a shoe, either for man or beast.
4. The part of a stocking intended for the heel. To be out at the heels, is to have on stockings that are worn out.
5. Something shaped like the human heel; a protuberance or knob. Mortimer.
6. The latter part; as, a bill was introduced into the legislature at the heel of the session.
7. A spur. This horse understands the heel well. Encyc.
8. The after end of a ship's keel; the lower end of the stern-post to which it is connected; also, the lower end of a mast. To be at the heels, to pursue closely; to follow hard; also, to attend closely. Hungry want is at my heels. Otway. To show the heels, to flee; to run from. To take to the heels, to flee; to betake to flight. To lay by the heels, to fetter; to shackle; to confine. Addisom. To have the heels of, to outrun. Neck and heels, the whole length of the body.