Main Entry: ²hedge

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): 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 \ˈhe-jiŋ-lē\ adverb