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hew

(hy)

v. hewed, hewn (hyn) or hewed, hew·ing, hews

v.tr.

1. To make or shape with or as if with an axe: hew a path through the underbrush.

2. To cut down with an axe; fell: hew an oak.

3. To strike or cut; cleave.

v.intr.

1. To cut something by repeated blows, as of an axe.

2. To adhere or conform strictly; hold: hew to the line.

[Middle English hewen, from Old English hēawan; see kau- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

hewer n.

HEW

abbr.

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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