1. dogs that work by nipping at the heels of livestock to control their movement
Usage: plural of heeler
2. political supporters who follow party leaders loyally and unquestioningly
Usage: informal; often derogatory

Examples

• The rancher trained his heelers to move the cattle into the pen.
• Australian cattle dogs are excellent heelers on large ranches.
• The blue heelers worked tirelessly to gather the scattered herd.
• Political heelers rarely vote against their party’s wishes.
• The senator was criticized for surrounding himself with heelers instead of independent advisors.
• These heelers will support any policy the party leadership proposes.