Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
HEDGE
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English hegge, from Old English hecg; akin to Old English haga hedge, hawthorn Date: before 12th century
1. a fence or boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or low trees, barrier , limit , a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss), a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement,
II. verb (hedged; hedging)
Date: 14th century
transitive verb to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge ; encircle , to hem in or obstruct with or as if with a barrier ; hinder , to protect oneself from losing or failing by a counterbalancing action , intransitive verb to plant, form, or trim a hedge, to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat ; trim , to protect oneself financially: as, to buy or sell commodity futures as a protection against loss due to price fluctuation, to minimize the risk of a bet, hedger noun hedgingly adverb
III. adjective
Date: 14th century
of, relating to, or designed for a hedge, born, living, or made near or as if near hedges ; roadside , inferior 3