1. v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. wander without a settled destination, roam, ramble.
2 intr. (of eyes) look in changing directions.
3 tr. wander over or through.
--n. an act of roving (on the rove).
Phrases and idioms:
rove-beetle any long-bodied beetle of the family Staphylinidae, usu. found in decaying animal and vegetable matter. roving commission authority given to a person or persons conducting an inquiry to travel as may be necessary. roving eye a tendency to ogle or towards infidelity.
Etymology: ME, orig. a term in archery shoot at a casual mark with the range not determined, perh. f. dial. rave stray, prob. of Scand. orig. 2. past of REEVE(2).3. n. & v.
--n. a sliver of cotton, wool, etc., drawn out and slightly twisted.
--v.tr. form into roves.
Etymology: 18th c.: orig. unkn. 4. n. a small metal plate or ring for a rivet to pass through and be clenched over, esp. in boat-building.
Etymology: ON r{oacute}, with excrescent v