hedging

Noun

Synonyms: hedge

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices changeSynonyms: hedge
an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement“when you say `maybe' you are just hedging”Synonyms: hedge

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Hedge \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. [1913 Webster]

2.To obstruct, as a road, with a barrier; to hinder from progress or success; -- sometimes with up and out. [1913 Webster]

I will hedge up thy way with thorns.— Hos. ii. 6.[1913 Webster]

Lollius Urbius . . . drew another wall . . . to hedge out incursions from the north.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

3.To surround for defense; to guard; to protect; to hem (in). "England, hedged in with the main." --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4.To surround so as to prevent escape. [1913 Webster]

That is a law to hedge in the cuckoo.— Locke.[1913 Webster]

5.To protect oneself against excessive loss in an activity by taking a countervailing action; as, to hedge an investment denominated in a foreign currency by buying or selling futures in that currency; to hedge a donation to one political party by also donating to the opposed political party. [PJC]

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. See hedge[5]. [1913 Webster]