hem

hem¹

/hem/, v., hemmed, hemming, n.

v.t.

1. to fold back and sew down the edge of (cloth, a garment, etc.); form an edge or border on or around.

2. to enclose or confine (usually fol. by in, around, or about): hemmed in by enemies.

n.

3. an edge made by folding back the margin of cloth and sewing it down.

4. the edge or border of a garment, drape, etc., esp. at the bottom.

5. the edge, border, or margin of anything.

6. Archit. the raised edge forming the volute of an Ionic capital.

[bef. 1000; ME hem(m), OE hem, prob. akin to hamm enclosure; see HOME]

hem²

/hem/, interj., n., v., hemmed, hemming.

interj.

1. (an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.)

n.

2. the utterance or sound of "hem."

3. a sound or pause of hesitation: His sermon was full of hems and haws.

v.i.

4. to utter the sound "hem."

5. to hesitate in speaking.

6. hem and haw,

a. to hesitate or falter: She hemmed and hawed a lot before she came to the point.

b. to speak noncommittally; avoid giving a direct answer: He hems and haws and comes out on both sides of every question.

[1520-30; imit.]

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