/huv"euhl, hov"-/ , n. , v. , hoveled, hoveling or ( esp. Brit. ) hovelled, hovelling .
n.
1. a small, very humble dwelling house; a wretched hut.
2. any dirty, disorganized dwelling.
3. an open shed, as for sheltering cattle or tools.
v.t.
4. to shelter or lodge as in a hovel.
[ 1375-1425; late ME hovell, of uncert. orig. ]