Gem (?), n. [OE. gemme precious stone, F. gemme, fr. L. gemma a precious stone, bud.]
1. Bot.
A bud.
From the joints of thy prolific stem
A swelling knot is raised called a gem.
Denham.
2.
A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel.
Milton.
3.
Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits, which is regarded as a gem on account of its beauty or value, as a small picture, a verse of poetry, a witty or wise saying.
Artificial gem, an imitation of a gem, made of glass colored with metallic oxide. Cf. Paste, and Strass.
© Webster 1913.
Gem v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gemmed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Gemming]
1.
To put forth in the form of buds.
"
Gemmed their blossoms." [R.]
Milton.
2.
To adorn with gems or precious stones.
3.
To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as, a foliage gemmed with dewdrops.
England is . . . gemmed with castles and palaces.
W. Irving.
© Webster 1913.