Definition
A dense line of shrubs or small trees forming a natural boundary, typically found along the edges of fields, roads, or properties. Hedgerows provide habitat for wildlife and have historically been used to mark property lines and contain livestock.
Example Usage
The old stone cottage was sheltered by a thick hedgerow of hawthorn and blackthorn.
Origin
From Middle English 'hegge' (hedge) and 'rowe' (row), a straightforward compound describing a row of hedges.
Fun Fact
Ancient hedgerows in England can be carbon-dated by counting the number of woody species present—roughly 400-600 years old for each species.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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