Hew v. t. [imp. Hewed p. p. Hewed or Hewn p. pr. & vb. n. Hewing.]
1. To cut with an ax; to fell with a sharp instrument; -- often with down, or off.
2. To form or shape with a sharp instrument; to cut; hence, to form laboriously; -- often with out; as, to hew out a sepulcher.
Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn. --Is. li. 1.
Rather polishing old works than hewing out new. --Pope.
3. To cut in pieces; to chop; to hack.
Hew them to pieces; hack their bones asunder. --Shak.