To hedge a bet

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.
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   2. To obstruct, as a road, with a barrier; to hinder from
      progress or success; -- sometimes with up and out.
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            I will hedge up thy way with thorns.  --Hos. ii. 6.
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            Lollius Urbius . . . drew another wall . . . to
            hedge out incursions from the north.  --Milton.
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   3. To surround for defense; to guard; to protect; to hem
      (in). "England, hedged in with the main." --Shak.
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   4. To surround so as to prevent escape.
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            That is a law to hedge in the cuckoo. --Locke.
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   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.
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   {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].
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