Meaning

• A thicket of bushes or other shrubbery, especially one planted as a fence between two portions of land, or to separate the parts of a garden.

  "He trims the hedge once a week."

• A barrier (often consisting of a line of persons or objects) to protect someone or something from harm.

• A mound of earth, stone- or turf-faced, often topped with bushes, used as a fence between any two portions of land.

• A non-committal or intentionally ambiguous statement.

• Contract or arrangement reducing one's exposure to risk (for example the risk of price movements or interest rate movements).

  "A hedge is an investment position intended to offset potential losses/gains that may be incurred by a companion investment. In simple language, a hedge is used to reduce any substantial losses/gains suffered by an individual or an organization."

• (noun adjunct) Used attributively, with figurative indication of a person's upbringing, or professional activities, taking place by the side of the road; third-rate.