clem

1 of 2

verb

ˈklem
variants or clam
clemmed or clammed; clemmed or clammed; clemming or clamming; clems or clams

transitive verb

dialectal, England : to cause to suffer from hunger, thirst, or cold : starve

intransitive verb

dialectal, England : to suffer from hunger, thirst, or cold

clem

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
slang
: a fight or brawl especially between circus or carnival workers and the local townsfolk

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English clemmen to pinch

Noun

origin unknown

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Dictionary Entries Near clem

Cite this Entry

“Clem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clem. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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