[AS. hege.] A fence of thorn bushes or other shrubs or small trees planted round a field, or in rows to separate the parts of a garden. Hedges are very common in many parts of Britain and Italy, but comparatively rare in France and Germany, as well as in America. They are usually of one or more of the following species : hawthorn, blackthorn, privet, holly, beech, maple, alder, poplar, willow, yew, sweet-brier, etc.