hem definition

1. the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
• examples: the hem of her dress was stained
• examples: let down the hem
• examples: he stitched weights into the curtain's hem
• examples: it seeped along the hem of his jacket
2. the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
3. fold over and sew together to provide with a hem
• examples: hem my skirt
4. utter `hem' or `ahem'