hedge Definition

hedge
noun

1. A boundary formed by bushes and shrubs planted close together, especially between fields.

Thesaurus: shrubbery, thicket, hedgerow, windbreak, barrier, boundary, enclosure, obstacle, fence.
2. A barrier or protection against (especially financial) loss, criticism, etc.

verb hedged, hedging

1. To enclose or surround (an area of land) with a hedge.
2. To avoid making a decision or giving a clear answer.

Thesaurus: sidestep, dodge, evade, equivocate, stall, temporize, waffle.
3. To protect oneself from possible loss or criticism eg in (a bet or argument) by backing both sides.

Example: hedge one's bets
intr
4. To make hedges.
intr
5. To be evasive or shifty, eg in an argument.
intr
6. To buy or sell something as a financial hedge.

Derivative: hedged
adj

Derivative: hedger
noun

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon hecg.