heeler
heeler Lexical Profile
heeler Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A herding dog of the family Canidae, such as the Australian Cattle Dog or Lancashire Heeler, bred to drive livestock by nipping at their heels.
"The rancher relied on a pair of energetic blue heelers to move the cattle into the pasture."
North American In team roping, the mounted rider whose role is to rope a steer's hind legs after the header has roped its horns or neck.
"Timing is crucial for the heeler to catch both hind feet as the steer turns."
American An obedient, often unscrupulous subordinate or hanger-on of a political boss (especially in the phrase 'ward heeler').
"The local party machine depended on loyal ward heelers to turn out voters on election day."
A shoemaker or factory worker who attaches or repairs the heels of shoes and boots.
"The cobbler worked alongside a skilled heeler in the busy boot factory."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'heeler' with its homophone 'healer' (one who cures or restores health).