What is the meaning of hem?

noun

• The edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down.
  • usage: "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"
• 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

verb

• Fold over and sew together to provide with a hem.
  • usage: "hem my skirt"
• Utter `hem' or `ahem'. .