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hempen

[hem-puh n]
adjective
  1. of, like, or pertaining to hemp.
  2. made of hemp.
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Origin of hempen

First recorded in 1325–75, hempen is from the Middle English word hempyn. See hemp, -en2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hempen

Historical Examples of hempen

  • "I wish they 'd go out with hempen ones, then," muttered Repton.

    The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)

    Charles James Lever

  • Caius brought the horses to the trough in pairs, each with a hempen halter.

    The Mermaid

    Lily Dougall

  • The hempen string began to bristle like the hair of one electrified.

    True to His Home

    Hezekiah Butterworth

  • Those for a hempen cable are fitted as a ring-stopper, only a larger rope.

    The Sailor's Word-Book

    William Henry Smyth

  • We have festooned it full oft with a big hook and hempen line.

Word Origin and History for hempen

adj.

"made of hemp," late 14c., from hemp + -en (2). In many figurative expressions 15c.-19c. it is in reference to the hangman's noose.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper