hem
1
[ hem ]
/ hɛm /
verb (used with object), hemmed, hem·ming.
to fold back and sew down the edge of (cloth, a garment, etc.); form an edge or border on or around.
to enclose or confine (usually followed by in, around, or about): hemmed in by enemies.
noun
an edge made by folding back the margin of cloth and sewing it down.
the edge or border of a garment, drape, etc., especially at the bottom.
the edge, border, or margin of anything.
Architecture.
the raised edge forming the volute of an Ionic capital.
Origin of hem
1Words nearby hem
helvetia,
helvetian,
helvetic,
helvetii,
helvétius,
hem,
hem and haw,
hem in,
hem-,
hema-,
hemacytometer
Definition for hem (2 of 3)
hem
2
[ hem ]
/ hɛm /
interjection
(an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.)
noun
the utterance or sound of “hem.”
a sound or pause of hesitation: His sermon was full of hems and haws.
verb (used without object), hemmed, hem·ming.
to utter the sound “hem.”
to hesitate in speaking.
Origin of hem
2
First recorded in 1520–30; imitative
Definition for hem (3 of 3)
Also
especially British,
haem-.
Compare
haemat-.
Example sentences from the Web for hem
British Dictionary definitions for hem (1 of 3)
hem
1
/ (hɛm) /
noun
an edge to a piece of cloth, made by folding the raw edge under and stitching it down
short for hemline
verb hems, hemming or hemmed (tr)
to provide with a hem
(usually foll by in, around, or about)
to enclose or confine
Word Origin for hem
Old English
hemm; related to Old Frisian
hemme enclosed land
British Dictionary definitions for hem (2 of 3)
hem
2
/ (hɛm) /
noun, interjection
a representation of the sound of clearing the throat, used to gain attention, express hesitation, etc
verb hems, hemming or hemmed
(intr)
to utter this sound
hem and haw or hum and haw
to hesitate in speaking or in making a decision
British Dictionary definitions for hem (3 of 3)
Medical definitions for hem
hem-
pref.
Variant ofhemo-