heck

n. hell; -- a euphemism. Used commonly in the phrase “What the heck”. [ Colloq. ] [ PJC ]

n. (R. C. Ch.) (a) The teaching of Isaac Thomas Hecker (1819-88), which interprets Catholicism as promoting human aspirations after liberty and truth, and as the religion best suited to the character and institutions of the American people. (b) Improperly, certain views or principles erroneously ascribed to Father Hecker in a French translation of Elliott's Life of Hecker. They were condemned as “Americanism” by the Pope, in a letter to Cardinal Gibbons, January 22, 1899. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. (Zool.) The European blue titmouse (Parus cœruleus). [ Written also heckimel, hackeymal, hackmall, hagmall, and hickmall. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. & v. t. Same as Hackle. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. 1. To interrogate, or ply with questions, esp. with severity or antagonism, as a candidate for the ministry.

Robert bore heckling, however, with great patience and adroitness. Mrs. Humphry Ward. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. To shout questions or jibes at (a public speaker), so as to disconcert him or render his talk ineffective. [ PJC ]