hedge etymology

Etymology

The word "hedge" has an Old English origin, deriving from the word "hecg," which referred to a boundary or enclosure.

Meaning

1. A row of closely planted shrubs or bushes forming a boundary or screen.
2. A barrier, obstacle, or limitation.
3. (In stock market terminology) A position in which a trader or investor takes an offsetting position in the same asset to reduce risk.

Origin

The Old English word "hecg" is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*hagjo-," which also gave rise to the Old Norse word "hagi" and the German word "gehege." These words all had similar meanings, referring to enclosures or fenced areas.

The word "hedge" entered the English language in the 9th century and has been used continuously since then. It has taken on various meanings over time, but its core sense of a boundary or enclosure has remained constant.

Examples of Usage

• "The garden was enclosed by a tall hedge of privet."
• "The government has imposed new regulations that act as a hedge against inflation."
• "The stock market is volatile, so I created a hedge to protect my investments."

hedge relate terms

• hedge

  Etymology The word hedge has an Old English origin deriving from the word hecg whic

• hedge

  Etymology The word hedge has an Old English origin deriving from the word hecg whic

• hawthorn

  Etymology Middle English hawethorn from Old English hagaþorn Old English haga hed

• Norn

  Etymology The word Norn is believed to derive from the Old Norse word norn which mea

• haggard

  Etymology Early 17th century probably from dialectal hag to cut hack tire Mea

• quay

  Etymology The word quay originates from the Old French word quai which in turn came

• fudge

  Etymology The word fudge has an uncertain etymology but there are several theories

• closure

  Etymology Closure entered English as a noun in the 16th century meaning act of closin

• arugula

  Etymology The word arugula is derived from the Latin word eruca which means cater

• town

  Etymology The word town derives from the Old English word tūn which originally mean

• dodge

  Etymology The word dodge has its origins in the Middle English word doggen meaning

• fence

  Etymology The word fence comes from the Old English word fencian which means to enc

• enclose

  Etymology Middle English enclosen from Anglo Norman French enclos present participle