definition of
hedge

[1] #1 hedge n. [hedgerow] a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes. wn

[2] #2 hedge v. [fudge, evade, put off, circumvent, parry, elude, skirt, dodge, duck, sidestep] avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues); "He dodged the issue"; "she skirted the problem"; "They tend to evade their responsibilities"; "he evaded the questions skillfully". wn

[3] #3 hedge n. [hedging] any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change. wn

[4] #4 hedge v. hinder or restrict with or as if with a hedge; "The animals were hedged in". wn

[5] #5 hedge n. [hedging] an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement; "when you say 'maybe' you are just hedging". wn