▪ I. stemmer1 Mining.
(ˈstɛmə(r))
[f. stem v.2 + -er1.]
a. A metal bar used for stemming; a tamping bar. b. (See quot. 1909.)
| 1860 Mining Gloss., Derbysh. Terms 44 Stemmer, a piece of iron with which the clay is rammed into the shot holes to make them water tight. 1909 N. Hawkins' Mech. Dict., Stemmer, in mining, a copper or bronze rod inserted into a powder charge, so as to leave a passage through the tamping for the fuse; a blasting needle. |
▪ II. stemmer2
(ˈstɛmə(r))
Also stemner.
[f. stem n.1 + -er1.]
(See quot. 1858.)
| 1858 Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc. XIX. i. 193 All trees are here [Sussex] cut down with the saw, and the stump, though quite level with the ground, is called the stem. This stem throws up shoots all round; the strongest is frequently left, and the rest cut off with the bill-hook. In time this shoot becomes a worthless tree, called a ‘stemmer’. 1878 [see tiller n.3 2]. 1895 Lease (Surrey), All timber and other trees, tellers, stemners, already let to stand for timber and saplings. |
▪ III. stemmer3
(ˈstɛmə(r))
[f. stem v.4 + -er1.]
1. In Tobacco manuf., the workman who ‘stems’ tobacco-leaf; a stripper.
| 1895 Funk's Stand. Dict. |
2. A machine for stemming grapes, etc.
| 1898 Year-bk. U.S. Dept. Agric. (1899) 558 Crushers and stemmers capable of working up 300 tons of grapes per day. |