Hem
Folded fabric edge
A hem is the finished edge of a piece of fabric, folded and sewn to prevent fraying: She let down the hem of the dress.
To hem is to create such an edge.
To hem in is to surround or confine: Mountains hemmed in the valley.
Separately, hem is a hesitation sound, usually paired with haw: He hemmed and hawed before answering.
Boundary or sharpness
selvage · cuff · finish · needle · thread · fabric · garment · alteration
Enclose on every side
- encloseShut in on all sides
- confineRestrict to boundaries
- borderOuter edge or limit
- trapDevice for catching animals
circle · fence · restrict · contain · bound · edge · pen · corral
Attention-getting interjection
- coughExplosive airway clearing
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- stammerSpeak with involuntary repetitions
stutter · filler · vocalization · sound · noise · interjection · attention · interruption
edge
Boundary or sharpness
border · selvage · cuff · finish · needle · thread · fabric · garment · alteration · tailor
surround
Enclose on every side
trap · circle · fence · restrict · contain · bound · edge · pen · corral · besiege
ahem
Attention-getting interjection
- coughExplosive airway clearing
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
stammer · stutter · filler · vocalization · sound · noise · interjection · attention · interruption · signal
- hemmed inEnclosed with no escape
- hem inConfine by encircling
- hem and hawSpeak evasively, delay deciding
- hemmed and hawedExpressed hesitation verbally
- hemming and hawingIndecisive verbal stalling
- hemming inRestricting movement by surrounding