rough-hew

or rough·hew

[ ruhf-hyoo ]

verb (used with object)

, rough-hewed, rough-hewed or rough-hewn, rough-hew·ing.

1. to hew (timber, stone, etc.) roughly or without smoothing or finishing.
2. to shape roughly; give crude form to.

rough-hew

verb

1. to cut or hew (timber, stone, etc) roughly without finishing the surface
2. Alsoroughcast to shape roughly or crudely

Word History and Origins

Origin of rough-hew¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

True it is, as the great bard expresses it, that "there's a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them as we will."

From Project Gutenberg

It may be, then, that to all living beings there is a Destiny "that shapes our ends, rough hew them as we will."

From Project Gutenberg

You know your Shakespeare, John, and he says most truly: 'There's a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will.'

From Project Gutenberg

Assuredly there is a Providence that shapes our ends, rough hew them how we will.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a destiny that shapes our ends, rough hew them though we may.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chisel
• divide
• engrave
• etch
• fashion
• hack
• mold
• sculpt
• shape
• slice