hem: Meaning and Definition of

hem

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.

1. an edge made by folding back the margin of cloth and sewing it down.
2. the edge or border of a garment, drape, etc., esp. at the bottom.
3. the edge, border, or margin of anything.
4. the raised edge forming the volute of an Ionic capital.

hem

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

1. the utterance or sound of “hem.”
2. a sound or pause of hesitation: His sermon was full of hems and haws.

1. to utter the sound “hem.”
2. to hesitate in speaking.
3. She hemmed and hawed a lot before she came to the point.
1. to hesitate or falter:She hemmed and hawed a lot before she came to the point.
2. to speak noncommittally; avoid giving a direct answer:He hems and haws and comes out on both sides of every question.

hem-

1. var. ofbefore a vowel: hemal.