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| hedge [ hej ] |
noun (plural hedg·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. row of bushes: a close-set row of bushes, usually with their branches intermingled, forming a barrier or boundary in a garden, lawn, or field
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2. protective method: a means of protection against something, especially a means of guarding against financial loss
  a hedge against inflation
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3. evasive statement: an evasive or noncommittal statement
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verb (past and past participle hedged, present participle hedg·ing, 3rd person present singular hedg·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb put bushes around something: to put a row of intermingled bushes around an area of ground
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2. intransitive verb work on hedges: to work at repairing, trimming, or planting a hedge
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3. transitive verb restrict something: to restrict the scope or applicability of something by setting conditions
It was a promise, but hedged in with so many ifs and buts that I wouldn't rely on it.
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4. intransitive verb be evasive: to avoid answering a question directly or definitely
She could have given a straight answer, but instead she hedged.
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5. intransitive verb finance try to offset possible losses: to take measures to offset any possible loss on a financial transaction, especially by investing in counterbalancing securities as a guard against price fluctuations
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| [ Old English hegg< Germanic, "grasp"] |
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| hedg·er noun |
| hedg·y adjective |
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