wedge / wej/ • n. a piece of wood, metal, or some other material having one thick end and tapering to a thin edge, that is driven between two objects or parts of an object to secure or separate them. ∎  an object or piece of something having such a shape: a wedge of cheese. ∎  a formation of people or animals with such a shape. ∎  a golf club with a low, angled face for maximum loft. ∎  a shot made with such a club. ∎  a shoe, typically having a fairly high heel, of which the heel and sole form a solid block, with no gap under the instep. ∎  a heel of this kind. ∎ Mus. another term for dash.• v. 1. [tr.] fix in position using a wedge: [tr.] the door was wedged open. 2. [tr.] force into a narrow space: I wedged the bags into the back seat.PHRASES: drive a wedge between separate: the general aimed to drive a wedge between the city and its northern defenses. ∎  cause disagreement or hostility between: I'm not trying to drive a wedge between you and your father.thin end of the wedge inf. an action or procedure of little importance in itself, but likely to lead to more serious developments.

wedge In mechanics, an example of the inclined plane. It is used to multiply an applied force while changing its direction of action. For example, if a metal or wooden wedge is driven into a block of wood then a force is exerted by the wedge at right angles to the applied force and greater than it.

wedge drive a wedge between separate.
wedge issue in the US, a divisive political issue, especially one that is raised by a candidate for public office in the hope of attracting or alienating an opponent's supporters.
the thin end of the wedge an action or procedure of little importance that is likely to lead to more serious developments.

Wedge

anything in the form of a wedge, e.g., a body of troops; a group of animals or birds; silver plate collectively, 1725.

Examples: wedge of cheese, 1835; of wild fowl, 1869; of clangorous geese, 1889; of wild geese, 1725; of horse, 1615; of men, 1614; of policemen, 1887; of standing people, 1913; of swans; of troops.

wedge piece of wood, etc. thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge at the other; †ingot OE.; other special senses from XVI. OE. weċġ = OS. weggi (Du. wegge wedge-shaped cake), OHG. weggi, wecki, ON. veggr :- Gmc. *waʒjaz.