GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Hew , v. t. [imp. Hewed ; p. p. Hewed or Hewn ; p. pr. & vb. n. Hewing.] [AS. heáwan; akin to D. houwen, OHG. houwan, G. hauen, Icel. höggva, Sw. hugga, Dan. hugge, Lith. kova battle, Russ. kovate to hammer, forge. Cf. Hay cut grass, Hoe.]
   To cut with an ax; to fell with a sharp instrument; -- often with down, or off.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To form or shape with a sharp instrument; to cut; hence, to form laboriously; -- often with out; as, to hew out a sepulcher.
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   Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn.
   Is. li. 1.
   
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   Rather polishing old works than hewing out new.
   Pope.
   
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   To cut in pieces; to chop; to hack.
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   Hew them to pieces; hack their bones asunder.
   Shak.
   
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2.       
   Hew, n. Destruction by cutting down. [Obs.]
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   Of whom he makes such havoc and such hew.
   Spenser.
   
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3.       
   Hew, n.
   Hue; color. [Obs.]
   Chaucer.
   
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   Shape; form. [Obs.]
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster