hemstatic.html - n. & v.
--n.

a decorative stitch used in sewing hems.

--v.

tr. hem with this stitch.

hemstatic.html - n. & v.
--n.

a decorative stitch used in sewing hems.

--v.

tr. hem with this stitch.

hemstatic.html - {v.} 1. To put something around, or to be placed around; surround. * /Mountains hemmed the town in on all sides./ * /As soon as Tom and Bob started to fight, they were hemmed around by other boys./ 2. See: FENCE IN.

hemstatic.html - {v. phr.} 1. To pause or hesitate while speaking, often with little throat noises. * /The man was a poor lecturer because he hemmed and hawed too much./ 2. To avoid giving a clear answer; be evasive in speech. * /The principal asked Bob why he was late to school, and Bob only hemmed and hawed./ Compare: BEAT AROUND THE BUSH.

hemstatic.html - {v.} To keep (someone) from doing what he or she would like to do. Usually used in the passive. * /Mary felt fenced in because her father would not let her drive a car or have dates with boys./ * /John didn't like his job because he had to do the same kind of work all the time. He felt that he was hemmed in./

hemstatic.html - 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.).

hem in confine; restrict the movement of. [OE, perh. rel. to dial. ham enclosure]