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hem(6) (iou)



hem verb2. Infl. -mm-. L15.
[Imit.]
verb intrans. Utter a hem, clear the throat; hesitate in speech esp. through indecision, disagreement, etc. Chiefly in hem and haw. L15.
Henry Miller He began to hem and haw, not knowing really what he wanted to say. I. Wallace He hemmed and hawed, weaseling all the way.
b. verb trans. Drown out (speech) with a cough. Also foll. by over. M16-L17.
verb trans. Clear away with a cough. rare. E16.
Shakespeare As You Like It These burs are in my heart...Hem them away.