1
2
: a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)
realization that common stocks are the best hedge against inflation—C. E. Merrill
3
: a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement
bureaucratic literature … festooned with hedges and qualifications—Fortune
hedged; hedging
1
: to enclose or protect with or as if with a dense row of shrubs or low trees : to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge (see hedge entry 1 sense 1a) : encircle
homes hedged with boxwoods
2
: to confine so as to prevent freedom of movement or action : to 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
1
: to plant, form, or trim a hedge
2
: to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat : trim
hedged on the issue
3
: to protect oneself financially
—usually used with against
in order to hedge against inflation—George Katona
: such as
a
: to buy or sell commodity futures (see future entry 2 sense 3) as a protection against loss due to price fluctuation
b
: to minimize the risk of a bet
hedger
noun
1
: of, relating to, or designed for a hedge (see hedge entry 1)
a hedge plant
hedge selling on the commodity exchanges
2
: born, living, or made alongside or as if alongside a dense row of shrubs or low trees : born, living, or made near or as if near hedges (see hedge entry 1 sense 1a) : roadside
the services of a hedge parson
a hedge wedding
3
: inferior sense 1
a hedge tavern
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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