clem

¹

[ klem ]

verb (used with or without object)

, British Dialect.

, clemmed, clem·ming.

1. to starve.

Clem

²

[ klem ]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Clement.

clem

/ klɛm /

verb

1. dialect.
   when tr, usually passive to be hungry or cause to be hungry

Word History and Origins

Origin of clem¹

1530–40; akin to Middle English forclemmed (past participle) pinched with hunger, Old English beclemman to fetter

Word History and Origins

Origin of clem¹

C16: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch, German klemmen to pinch, cramp; compare Old English beclemman to shut in

Example Sentences

Clem Labine and Roger Craig had the other Dodgers victories.

From Los Angeles Times

Clem Labine and Roger Craig had the other Dodgers victories.

From Los Angeles Times

Recounting the courtship of two young telegraph operators, Clem and Nathalie, it shows how a bond can be formed with only words exchanged.

From Slate

Midway through the novel, Clem shows up at Nathalie’s office unannounced.

From Slate

Ultimately, the true Clem emerges, and the couple’s love survives the move from the disembodied wires to everyday life.

From Slate