hem1
n.
the edge of a piece of cloth or clothing which has been turned under and sewn.
v.
(hems, hemming, hemmed)
- turn under and sew the edge of (a piece of cloth).
-
(hem someone/thing in)
surround and restrict the space or movement of someone or something.
Etymology
OE ‘the border of a piece of cloth’, of W. Gmc origin.
hem2
exclam.
expressing the sound made when coughing or clearing the throat to attract someone's attention or show hesitation.
v.
(hems, hemming, hemmed)
archaic make such a sound.
Phrase
- hem and haw
chiefly N. Amer. another way of saying hum and haw (see hum1).
Etymology
C15: imitative.