n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: 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 \ ' he-ji ŋ -l ē \ adverb