clem

[klem] /klɛm/
verb (used with object), verb (used without object), clemmed, clemming. British Dialect
1.
to starve.
Origin
1530-40; akin to Middle English forclemmed (past participle) pinched with hunger, Old English beclemman to fetter

Clem

[klem] /klɛm/
noun
1.
a male given name, form of Clement.
British Dictionary definitions for clem

clem

/klɛm/
verb clems, clemming, clemmed, clams, clamming, clammed
1.
(when transitive, usually passive) (English, dialect) to be hungry or cause to be hungry
Word Origin
C16: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch, German klemmen to pinch, cramp; compare Old English beclemman to shut in
Slang definitions & phrases for clem

clem

noun

A fight between show people and the local citizenry: It'd start a clem, with me in the middle

verb

To disperse rioting customers at a circus or carnival (1920s+ Circus & carnival)


Clem

interjection

A cry used by circus people to rally forces in a fight with townspeople

noun
  1. A small-town resident; rural person, esp one who is easily duped
  2. An inhabitant of the place where the circus is playing (1920s+ Circus)