Hedge, prefixed to another word, or in composition, denotes something mean, as a hedge-priest, a hedge-press, a hedge-vicar, that is, born in or belonging to the hedges or woods, low, outlandish. [Not used in American.]
HEDGE, v.t. hej. To inclose with a hedge; to fence with a thicket of shrubs or small trees; to separate by a hedge; as, to hedge a field or garden.
1. To obstruct with a hedge, or to obstruct in any manner.
I will hedge up thy way with thorns. Hosea 2.
2. To surround for defense; to fortify.
England hedged in with the main.
3. To inclose for preventing escape.
That is a law to hedge in the cuckow.
Dryden, Swift and Shakespeare have written hedge, for edge, to edge in, but improperly.
HEDGE, v.i. hej. To hide, as in a hedge; to hide; to skulk.
