Gem v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gemmed (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Gemming]
1. To put forth in
the form of
buds. "Gemmed their blossoms." [R.] Milton.
2. To adorn with
gems or precious stones.
3.
To embellish or adorn, as with gems; as,
a foliage gemmed with dewdrops.
England is . . . gemmed with castles
and palaces.
W.
Irving.
Gem (?), n. [OE.
gemme precious stone, F. gemme, fr. L. gemma a
precious stone, bud.]
1. (Bot.) A bud.
From
the joints of thy prolific stem
A swelling knot is raised called a gem.
Denham. 2. A precious stone of any kind, as the ruby, emerald, topaz, sapphire, beryl, spinel, etc., especially
when cut and polished for ornament; a jewel. Milton.
3. Anything of small size, or expressed within brief limits, which is regarded as a gem on account of
its beauty or value, as a small picture, a verse of poetry, a witty or wise
saying.
Artificial gem, an imitation of a gem, made of glass
colored with metallic oxide. Cf. Paste, and Strass.
Hear it pronounced