Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun See hoveler.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun UK, dialect One who assists in saving life and property from a wreck; a coast boatman.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word hoveller.

Examples

  • Pritchard's most interesting chapter, in which the best authorities are quoted at length, is convincing that the word 'hoveller' is derived from _hobelier_ (_hobbe_, [Greek] _hippos_, Gaelic _coppal_) and signifies 'a coast watchman, 'or' look-out man, 'who, by horse

    Heroes of the Goodwin Sands Thomas Stanley Treanor

  • In the olden time the owners of these nautical huts dwelt in them, hence the name of "hoveller" which is used at the present day.

    The Lifeboat 1859

  • Oliver, and Long Eliza that married Treleaven the hoveller, and

    News from the Duchy Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch 1903

  • Among the protected men his eye lit on Treleaven the hoveller, husband to Long Eliza, and Caius

    News from the Duchy Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch 1903

  • (One of the two boatmen, thoughtfully regarding me, shut up one eye; this I understood to mean: first, that he took me into the conversation: secondly, that he confirmed the proposition: thirdly, that he announced himself as a hoveller.) ‘All of a sudden Mr. Clocker and me stood rooted to the spot, by hearing a sound come through the stillness, right over the sea, LIKE A GREAT

    Reprinted Pieces 2007

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.