Meaning : The edge of a piece of cloth. Especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down.
Example :
The hem of her dress was stained.
Let down the hem.
He stitched weights into the curtain's hem.
It seeped along the hem of his jacket.
Meaning : 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..
Synonyms : ahem
Meaning : Fold over and sew together to provide with a hem.
Example :
Hem my skirt.
Meaning : Utter `hem' or `ahem'.