Stem \Stem\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stemmed; p. pr. & vb. n. Stemming.]

[Either from stem, n., or akin to stammer; cf. G. stemmen to press against.]

To oppose or cut with, or as with, the stem of a vessel; to resist, or make progress against; to stop or check the flow of, as a current. ``An argosy to stem the waves.'' --Shak.

[They] stem the flood with their erected breasts. --Denham.

Stemmed the wild torrent of a barbarous age. --Pope.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)