hem Definition

hem¹
noun

1. A bottom edge or border of a piece of cloth that is folded over and sewn down.

Thesaurus: border, edge, fringe, margin, piping, trimming.

verb

tr & intr
hemmed, hemming
1. To form a border or edge on a piece of cloth.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon hemm.

Phrasal Verb: hem something or someone in

To surround them closely, preventing movement.

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hem²
exclamation

1. A slight clearing of the throat or cough to show hesitation or to draw attention.

noun

1. Such a sound.

verb

intr
hemmed, hemming
1. To utter this kind of cough or sound.

Etymology: 16c: imitating the sound.