Nick Wilkinson's definitions

Clemmed

Starved
Used in Elizabeth Gaskell's, 19th century novel about life in industrial Manchester, entitled 'Mary Barton'.

She took the bread, when it was put into her hand, and broke a bit, but could not eat. She was past hunger. She fell down on the floor with a heavy unresisting bang. The men looked puzzled.
"She's wellnigh clemmed," said Barton. "Folk do say one mustn't give clemmed people much to eat; but, bless us, she'll eat nought."

by Nick Wilkinson April 15, 2006