1 [with object] chop or cut (something, especially wood or coal) with an axe, pick, or other tool:master carpenters would hew the logs with an axehe had hewn down the famous elm tree
make or shape by cutting a hard material such as wood:a seat hewn out of a fallen tree trunk
2 [no object] (hew to) North American conform or adhere to:his administration would hew to high ethical standards
