Main Entry:

²hedge

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

hedged; hedg·ing

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1: to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge : encircle2: 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 verb1: to plant, form, or trim a hedge2: to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat : trim3: 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