HEM


Meaning of HEM in English

1. n. & v.

--n. the border of a piece of cloth, esp. a cut edge turned under and sewn down.

--v.tr. (hemmed, hemming) turn down and sew in the edge of (a piece of cloth etc.).

Phrases and idioms:

hem in confine; restrict the movement of.

Etymology: OE, perh. rel. to dial. ham enclosure 2. int., n., & v.

--int. calling attention or expressing hesitation by a slight cough or clearing of the throat.

--n. an utterance of this.

--v.intr. (hemmed, hemming) say hem; hesitate in speech.

Phrases and idioms:

hem and haw hum and haw (see HUM(1)).

Etymology: imit.

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.