hedge witches

Noun

hedge witch (plural hedge witches)

1. Fungus of species Phallus impudicus, a type of stinkhorn.
   • The common name of the fungus is, as you say, Hedge Witch or Wood Witch; the scientific name is Phallus impudicus.1875, The Gardeners' Chronicle, New Series, Volume 4, page 725

   Synonyms:

   witch's egg, wood witch

2. A modern, solitary witch who focuses on herbalism and shamanic experience (hedge riding).
   • One hedge witch who is also a practising iridologist and herbalist in a large country town, feels that we should regard all of nature as having a purpose, and continually strive to understand that purpose.1997, Lynne Hume, Witchcraft and Paganism in Australia, Melbourne University Press, page 45
3. An inferior or small-scale witch.
   • "You're a magician, right?" he asked, trying to recapture the moment.
     Moira shrugged. "In a small way. I am a hedge witch."
     "That's interesting. What does a hedge witch do?"
     "What do I do? Oh, herbs and simples. A little healing. Some weather magic. I try to warn of dangers, find lost objects and...1989, Rick Cook, Wizard's Bane