heel

The Sailor's Word-Book

The after end of a ship's keel, and the lower end of the stern-post to which it is connected. Also, the lower end of any mast, boom, bowsprit, or timber. Also, that part of the end of the butt of a musket which is uppermost when at the firing position.

♦ To heel. To lie over, or incline to either side out of the perpendicular: usually applied to a ship when canted by the wind, or by being unequally ballasted. (See crank, stiff, and trim.)

Related Words

Heel
·noun The after end of a ship's keel. II. Heel ·noun A cyma reversa; — so called by workmen. III....

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
Lark's-heel
·noun Indian cress. ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
Wire-heel
·noun A disease in the feet of a horse or other beast. ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
heel tap
A peg in the heel of a shoe, taken out when it is finished. A person leaving any liquor in his glass...

Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
heel-tap
the heel-piece of a shoe. North. ...

A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
heel-brace
A piece of iron-work applicable to the lower part of a rudder, in case of casualty to the lower pint...

The Sailor's Word-Book
heel-knee
The compass-piece which connects the keel with the stern-post. ...

The Sailor's Word-Book
heel-lashing
The rope which secures the inner part of a studding-sail boom to the yard; also, that which secures ...

The Sailor's Word-Book
heel-rope
That which hauls out the bowsprit in cutters, and the jib and studding-sail booms, or anything else ...

The Sailor's Word-Book
heel-tackles
The luff purchases for the heels of each sheer previous to taking in masts, or otherwise using them....

The Sailor's Word-Book
parliament-heel
The situation of a ship when careened by shift of ballast, &c.; or the causing her to incline a litt...

The Sailor's Word-Book
heel of a mast
The lower end, which either fits into the step attached to the keel, or in top-masts is sustained by...

The Sailor's Word-Book