I. ˈhej noun
Etymology: Middle English hegge, from Old English hecg; akin to Old English haga hedge, hawthorn
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : a fence or boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or low trees
b. : barrier , limit
2. : a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)
3. : a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement
II. verb
( hedged ; hedg·ing )
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge : encircle
2. : to hem in or obstruct with or as if with a barrier : hinder
hedged about by special regulations and statutes — Sandi Rosenbloom
3. : to protect oneself from losing or failing by a counterbalancing action
hedge a bet
intransitive verb
1. : to plant, form, or trim a hedge
2. : to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat : trim
3. : to protect oneself financially: as
a. : to buy or sell commodity futures as a protection against loss due to price fluctuation
b. : to minimize the risk of a bet
• hedg·er noun
• hedg·ing·ly ˈhe-jiŋ-lē adverb
III. adjective
Date: 14th century
1. : of, relating to, or designed for a hedge
2. : born, living, or made near or as if near hedges : roadside
3. : inferior 3