Hedge (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Hedged (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Hedging.] 1. To inclose or separate with a hedge; to fence with a thickly set line or thicket of shrubs or small trees; as, to hedge a field or garden.
2. To obstruct, as a road, with a barrier; to hinder from progress or success; — sometimes with up and out.
I will hedge up thy way with thorns. Hos. ii. 6.
Lollius Urbius... drew another wall... to hedge out incursions from the north. Milton.
3. To surround for defense; to guard; to protect; to hem (in). “England, hedged in with the main.” Shak.
4. To surround so as to prevent escape.
That is a law to hedge in the cuckoo. Locke.
To hedge a bet, to bet upon both sides; that is, after having bet on one side, to bet also on the other, thus guarding against loss.