hedge
1. hedge \'hej\ n [ME hegge, fr. OE hecg; akin to OE haga hedge, hawthorn,
L Xcolum sieve 1a: a fence or boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or
low trees 1b: BARRIER, LIMIT 2: a means of protection or defense (as
against financial loss) 3: a calculatedly noncommittal statement
2. hedge vt 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 3: to
protect oneself from losing by a counterbalancing transaction {@ a bet} 1:
to plant, form, or trim a hedge 2: to evade the risk of commitment esp. by
leaving open a way of retreat :: TRIM 3a: to protect oneself financially;
specif : to buy or sell commod ity futures as a protection against loss due
to price fluctuation 3b: to minimize the risk of a bet - hedg.er n
3. hedge aj 1: of, relating to, or designed for a hedge 2: born, living,
or made near or as if near hedges : ROADSIDE 3: INFERIOR