hedge

hedge [hej]

n.

[ME hegge < OE hecg, akin to Ger hecke < IE base * kagh-, wickerwork, wickerwork pen > ON heggr, L caulae, sheepfold: basic sense “woven fence, enclosure”]

1. a row of closely planted shrubs, bushes, or trees forming a boundary or fence

2. anything serving as a fence or barrier; restriction or defense

3. the act or an instance of hedging

adj.

1. of, in, or near a hedge

2. low, disreputable, irregular, etc.

vt.

hedged, hedging

1. to place a hedge around or along; border or bound with a hedge

2. to hinder or guard as by surrounding with a barrier: often with in

3. to try to avoid or lessen loss in connection with (a bet, risk, etc.) by making counterbalancing bets, investments, etc.

vi.

1. to hide or protect oneself, as if behind a hedge

2. to hide behind words; refuse to commit oneself or give a direct answer

3. to try to avoid or lessen loss by making counterbalancing bets, investments, etc.

hedger

n.