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.