heel fly

noun

1. cattle grub.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heel fly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

The first named, H. lineatum, is commonly called the heel fly and is more generally distributed over the United States than the other species.

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This fly commonly deposits its eggs about the coronet, whence the name of heel fly, and on the fetlocks, knees, and hocks.

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Achilles was vulnerable in the heel: fly, O man, from the woman who is indifferent to the lure of a silk stocking!

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