Hewed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hewed
[hjuːd ]
Definition
manual labor
Hewed is the past tense of hew, which means to chop or cut (something, especially wood) with an axe, pick, or other tool. This action often involves shaping or forming the material being worked on. The term can also refer to something being made or constructed in a rough manner. It implies not just the act of cutting, but also the intention to shape an object from a larger mass.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He hewed the logs into beams for the house.
- The carpenter hewed the wood carefully for the project.
- In the past, they hewed stones to create foundations.
- The artist hewed the block of marble to reveal the statue within.
Translations
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Origin of 'hewed'
The word 'hew' originates from Old English 'hiwian', which meant to cut or shape, and has cognates in several other Germanic languages. Over time, the word evolved in its spelling and pronunciation. It is related to the Proto-Germanic root 'hauwō', which also denotes cutting or hewing. This basic idea of cutting has preserved itself through many centuries, highlighting the word's deep roots in manual labor and craftsmanship. The transition from Old English to Middle English saw changes influenced by both Norse and Norman French, further shaping its use and meaning. By the time we reach Modern English, 'hew' has firmly established itself in describing various manual cutting and shaping techniques, particularly in woodworking and stonemasonry, where precision and skill are paramount.