Where did the expression to hem and haw come from?

The expression "to hem and haw" originates from the 16th and 17th centuries, referring to the sounds of hesitation or indecision, mimicking the way people might pause or falter while speaking. "Hem" and "haw" are interjections that convey uncertainty, similar to the modern "um" or "uh." Over time, the phrase evolved to describe someone who is indecisive or reluctant to speak or make a decision.