/hawm/ , n.
1. stems or stalks collectively, as of grain or of peas, beans, or hops, esp. as used for litter or thatching.
2. a single stem or stalk.
Also, halm .
[ bef. 900; ME halm, OE healm; c. D, G halm, ON halmr; akin to L culmus stalk, Gk kálamos reed ]