Hem \Hem\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Hemmed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Hemming}.]
   1. To form a hem or border to; to fold and sew down the edge
      of. --Wordsworth.
      
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   2. To border; to edge
      
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            All the skirt about
            Was hemmed with golden fringe.        --Spenser.
      
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   {To hem about}, {To hem around}, or {To hem in}, to inclose
      and confine; to surround; to environ. "With valiant
      squadrons round about to hem." --Fairfax. "Hemmed in to be
      a spoil to tyranny." --Daniel.

   {To hem out}, to shut out. "You can not hem me out of
      London." --J. Webster.
      
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