hem

hem

hem¹ [hem]

n.

[ME < OE, akin to MLowG ham, enclosed piece of land < IE base * kem-, to compress, impede > HAMPER¹]

1. the border on a garment or piece of cloth, usually made by folding the edge and sewing it down

2. any border, edge, or margin

vt.

hemmed, hemming

to fold back the edge of and sew down; put a hem or hems on

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hem in or hem around or hem about

1. to encircle; surround

2. to confine or restrain

hem² [hem: ] conventionalized pronun.

interj., n.

(used to suggest) the sound made in clearing the throat

vi.

hemmed, hemming

to make this sound, as in trying to get attention or in showing doubt

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hem and haw

1. to make sounds like hems, or grope about in speech, while searching for the right words to say

2. to speak in a vague or evasive manner; equivocate