Mining. [f. STEM v.2 + -ING1.] = TAMPING 1 b.

1

1791.  Smeaton, Edystone L., § 223, note. The efficacy of the gunpowder to split the stone, rather than to drive out the stemming or wad, is greatly owing to a further circumstance.

2

1851.  Greenwell, Coal-Trade Terms Northumb. & Durh., 51. Stemming, Small coals or stones, with which a hole is tamped.

3

1898.  Colliery Guardian, 22 July, 155. Tubed Cylinder Stemming for Boreholes. Ibid. Clay stemming undoubtedly is the best, as it can be pressed directly upon the primer.

4

1908.  Times, 24 March, 10/3. The shot did its work,… and all the stemming was driven from the stone.

5