hew
verb (used with object)
to strike forcibly with an ax, sword, or other cutting instrument; chop; hack.
had hewed
-
past perfectof hew.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Davies at least had the satisfaction of knowing how closely his play over the last three days had hewed to the optimal strategy generated on his computer at home.
From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2022
Blair, who founded and ran a prescription-benefits company, had hewed close to concerns of business leaders in the county about Montgomery’s economic future.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 26, 2018
In fact, “especially at the start, Roosevelt had hewed closely to Hoover’s program of bank relief, agricultural aid, labor reform, industrial cooperation, federal aid to local government, and cuts to conventional spending.”
From Washington Post ● Dec. 1, 2017
Francis has filled four consecutive days with appearances, but other than an environmental critique offered in Ecuador, the pope had hewed mostly to theological topics or broad themes such as family, service and mission.
From New York Times ● Jul. 9, 2015
The floor was made of wide, thick slabs that Grandpa had hewed from the logs with his ax.
From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder
