[hedge] n [ME hegge, fr. OE hecg; akin to OE haga hedge, hawthorn] (bef. 12c) 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
[2]hedge vb hedged ; hedg.ing vt (14c) 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 "~ a bet" ~ vi 1: to plant, form, or trim a hedge
2: to evade the risk of commitment esp. 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 n -- hedg.ing.ly adv [3]hedge adj (14c) 1: of, relating to, or designed for a hedge
2: born, living, or made near or as if near hedges: roadside
3: inferior 3