Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Hemstitch
Hem′stitch (hĕm′stĭch), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Hemstitched; p. pr. & vb. n. Hemstitching.] [Hem + stitch.] To ornament at the head of a broad hem by drawing out a few parallel threads, and fastening the cross threads in successive small clusters; as, to hemstitch a handkerchief.