hemhɛm(v.; n.)hemmed, hem•ming

1. (v.t.)to fold back and sew down the edge of (cloth, a garment, etc.); form an edge or border on or around.

   Category: Clothing

2. to enclose or confine (usu. fol. by in, around, or about):

   hemmed in by enemies.

3. (n.)an edge made by folding back the margin of cloth and sewing it down.

   Category: Clothing

4. the bottom edge or border of a garment, drape, etc.

   Category: Clothing

5. the edge, border, or margin of anything.

Origin of hem:

bef. 1000; ME hem(m)

hem′mer(n.)

hemhɛm(interj.; n.; v.)hemmed, hem•ming.

1. (interj.)(an utterance resembling a slight clearing of the throat, used esp. to attract attention or express doubt or hesitation.)

2. (n.)the utterance or sound of “hem.”

3. (v.i.)to utter the sound “hem.”

4. to hesitate in speaking.

Idioms for hem:

1. hem and haw, to hesitate or falter while speaking. to avoid giving a direct answer.

   Category: Idiom

Origin of hem:

1520–30; imit.

hem-

1. hemagglutinate.

   Category: Affix

   Ref: var. of hemo- before a vowel; Also, esp. Brit., haem-.