Rove

[imp. & p. p. ROVED; p. pr. & vb. n. ROVING.] [Originally, to rob, and hence, from the rambling, wandering mode of life of a robber, to ramble, to range, to wander; L. Ger. & D. rôven, Dan. rōve, Sw. rōfva, O. Fries. rāva, rāvia. See ROB.]

1Sense 1. To wander; to ramble; to range; to go, move, or pass without certain direction in any manner, by walking, riding, flying, or otherwise.

For who has power to walk has power to rove. Arbuthnot.

2Sense 2. To shoot, especially at an angle of elevation, not at a point-blank aim. [Obs.]

That with thy cruel dart At that good knight so cunningly didst rove. Spenser.

☞ This was also called shooting at rovers.

v. t. 1. To wander over; as, roving a field; roving the town. ☞ This is an elliptical form of expression,—over, through, or about, being understood. 2. To plow into ridges by turning one furrow over another. Syn.—To wander; roam; range; ramble; stroll.

n. The act of wandering; a ramble. [Rare.] In thy nocturnal rove one moment halt. Young.

n. A roll of wool, or sliver, drawn out and slightly twisted, preparatory to being further spun into thread or yarn.