n. & v.
—n. the border of a piece of cloth, esp. a cut edge turned under and sewn down.
—v.tr. (hemmed, hemming) turn down and sew in the edge of (a piece of cloth etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
hem in confine; restrict the movement of.
Etymology: OE, perh. rel. to dial. ham enclosure
2.
int., n., & v.
—int. calling attention or expressing hesitation by a slight cough or clearing of the throat.
—n. an utterance of this.
—v.intr. (hemmed, hemming) say hem; hesitate in speech.
Phrases and idioms:
hem and haw = hum and haw (see HUM(1)).
Etymology: imit.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.