hemming and hawing

1 definition found

hemming and hawing - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Haw \Haw\, v. i.
     To stop, in speaking, with a sound like haw; to speak with
     interruption and hesitation.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Cut it short; don't prose -- don't hum and haw.
                                                    --Chesterfield.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     hemming and hawing speaking hesitantly and inarticulately,
        with numerous pauses and interjections.
        [PJC]