clem
verb (used with or without object)
to starve.
clem
1 American
[klem]
/ klɛm /
verb (used with or without object)
British Dialect.
clemmed,
clemming
Clem
2
American
[klem]
/ klɛm /
noun
clem
British
/ klɛm /
verb
Etymology
Origin of clem
1530–40; akin to Middle English forclemmed (past participle) pinched with hunger, Old English beclemman to fetter
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
They clem out and went from limb to limb till they got so away the dogs would loose trail.
From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Arkansas Narratives, Part 4 by Work Projects Administration
Mack clem up in a persimmon tree one day and the old man hollered at him, 'Get out of that tree 'fore you fall.'
From Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves Arkansas Narratives, Part 1 by Work Projects Administration
Mon, it's sich a nasty, dirty job; aw'd as soon clem!
From Home-Life of the Lancashire Factory Folk during the Cotton Famine by Edwin Waugh
We're but where we was; and I'll break stones on th' road afore I let these little uns clem.'
From North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Yo're not to think we'd ha' letten 'em clem, for all we're a bit pressed oursel'; if neighbours doesn't see after neighbours, I dunno who will.'
From North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
One Labour source joked, "there are rumours that they've brought an ouija board through the green baize door to consult Clem Atlee and Harold Wilson".
From BBC ● May 9, 2026
"They work for a period of years to earn and graduate essentially into this role and working in the front room," Clem added.
From Barron's ● Apr. 4, 2026
The responses include Sweetwater customers sending Clem photos of their home studios.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 24, 2026
Clem said that at rallies, he’s making sure to offer whistles to vendors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 5, 2026
Clem trotted right up to my cage and stuck his big wet nose up against it.
From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney
Well, I 'lows, Doctor, them has been clemmed up on times.
From Labrador Days Tales of the Sea Toilers by Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell
Ye'll be nigh clemmed after your drive, I take it, and more than ready for your teas.
From The Fortunes of Philippa A School Story by Angela Brazil
He wor fairly clemmed wi' t' cold,—'at he wor.
From The History of David Grieve by Mrs. Humphry Ward
"Better come and have a sup o' tea first; you look clemmed wi' the cold," he returned.
From The Youngest Girl in the Fifth A School Story by Stanley Davis
Poor maid—out i' the storm an' clemmed wi' cold an' 'unger, poor lass!
From Peregrine's Progress by Jeffery Farnol
I'd scorn to speak for mysel; but when I see such men as Davenport there dying away, for very clemming, I cannot stand it.
From Mary Barton by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Hamper's—that's where I worked—makes their men pledge 'emselves they'll not give a penny to help th' Union or keep turnouts fro' clemming.
From North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Now clemming is a quiet death, and worrying isn't, so I choose clemming, and come into th' Union.
From Mary Barton by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
I told you where a letter would find me; and here are you all clemming, and me know nought of it.
From Facing Death The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of the Coal Mines by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
Hoo's just sinking away—not for want o' meat hersel'—but because hoo cannot stand th' sight o' the little ones clemming.
From North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
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