Hem"stitch (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hemstitched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Hemstitching.] [Hem + stitch.]
To ornament at the head of a broad hem by drawing out a few parallel threads, and fastening the cross threads in successive small clusters; as, to hemstitch a handkerchief.
© Webster 1913.