haw
1[ haw ]
/ hɔ /
verb (used without object)
to utter a sound representing a hesitation or pause in speech.
noun
a sound or pause of hesitation.Compare hem2(def 3).
Words nearby haw
havildar, havoc, havre, havurah, havírov, haw, haw-haw, haw., hawaii, hawaii time, hawaii volcanoes national park
Origin of haw
1First recorded in 1625–35; imitative
Definition for hawing (2 of 2)
haw2
[ haw ]
/ hɔ /
interjection
(used as a word of command to a horse or other draft animal, usually directing it to turn to the left.)
verb (used with or without object)
to turn or make a turn to the left: The horse refused to haw.
Compare gee1.
Origin of haw
21835–45, Americanism; apparently orig. the imperative haw! look! of Middle English hawen, Old English hāwian; akin to Latin cavēre to beware
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for hawing
British Dictionary definitions for hawing (1 of 4)
haw1
/ (hɔː) /
noun
the round or oval fruit (a pome) of the hawthorn, usually red or yellow, containing one to five seeds
another name for hawthorn
Word Origin for haw
Old English haga, identical with haga hedge; related to Old Norse hagi pasture
British Dictionary definitions for hawing (2 of 4)
haw2
/ (hɔː) /
noun, interjection
an inarticulate utterance, as of hesitation, embarrassment, etc; hem
verb
(intr) to make this sound
hem and haw or hum and haw See hem 2 (def. 3)
Word Origin for haw
C17: of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for hawing (3 of 4)
haw3
/ (hɔː) /
noun
archaic a yard or close
Word Origin for haw
of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for hawing (4 of 4)
haw4
/ (hɔː) /
noun
the nictitating membrane of a horse or other domestic animal
Word Origin for haw
C15: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Idioms and Phrases with hawing
haw
see hem and haw.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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