clem

[ klem ]

/ klɛm /

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verb (used with or without object), clemmed, clem·ming.British Dialect.

to starve.

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Origin of clem

1530–40; akin to Middle English forclemmed (past participle) pinched with hunger, Old English beclemman to fetter

Words nearby clem

cleistocarpous, cleistogamous, cleistogamy, cleistothecium, Cleland, clem, clemastine fumarate, clematis, Clemenceau, Clemenceau, Georges, clemency

Other definitions for clem (2 of 2)

Clem

[ klem ]

/ klɛm /

noun

a male given name, form of Clement.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use clem in a sentence

A person exceedingly hungry says, "I'm welly clem'd; I'm almost or well-nigh starved."
Notes and Queries, Number 194, July 16, 1853|Various
He turned suddenly to Clem Rawlins, and his voice rang out in sharp and peremptory outburst.
The Code of the Mountains|Charles Neville Buck
"Clem's gal" was longing for that different and more wholesome life over there at the college.
The Code of the Mountains|Charles Neville Buck
He vouchsafed no explanation, and Clem, though heavy-hearted with anxiety, asked no questions and attempted no dissuasion.
The Code of the Mountains|Charles Neville Buck

Under his coat was strapped Clem's revolver, and again his pockets were "strutty with ca'tridges."
The Code of the Mountains|Charles Neville Buck

British Dictionary definitions for clem

clem

clam

/ (klɛm) /

verb clems, clemming, clemmed, clams, clamming or clammed

(when tr, usually passive) English dialect to be hungry or cause to be hungry

Word Origin for clem

C16: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch, German klemmen to pinch, cramp; compare Old English beclemman to shut in

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012