Nearby Words
verb (used with object)
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 followed by in, around, or about): hemmed in by enemies.
noun
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., especially at the bottom.
5.
the edge, border, or margin of anything.
6.
Architecture. the raised edge forming the volute of an Ionic capital.
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Hems
is always a great word to know.
So is ort. Does it mean:
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
| a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal. |
Origin:
before 1000; Middle English hem(m), Old English hem, probably akin to hamm enclosure; see home
before 1000; Middle English hem(m), Old English hem, probably akin to hamm enclosure; see home
Dictionary.com Unabridged
interjection
1.
(an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc.)
noun
2.
the utterance or sound of “hem.”
3.
a sound or pause of hesitation: His sermon was full of hems and haws.
verb (used without object)
Idiom4.
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.
Origin:
1520–30; imitative
1520–30; imitative
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To Hems
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
hem
1470, probably imitative of the sound of clearing the throat. Hem and haw first recorded 1786, from haw "hesitation," first recorded 1632.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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