Definition of hem

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< hem

hem- >

hem ²

m) KEY

NOUN:

A short cough or clearing of the throat made especially to gain attention, warn another, hide embarrassment, or fill a pause in speech.

intr.v.
hemmed , hem·ming , hems

To utter a hem.
To hesitate in speech.

IDIOM:
hem and haw

To be hesitant and indecisive; equivocate: "a leader who cannot make up his or her mind, never knows what to do, hems and haws" (Margaret Thatcher).

ETYMOLOGY:
From Middle English heminge, coughing, of imitative origin

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
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