hem 1
/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 ]
hem 2
/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. ]