rove

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  2. verb pass a rope through
  3. verb pass through a hole or opening

Etymology

Probably from Middle English *roven, a Midlands variant of Northern Middle English raven (“to wander”), from Old Norse ráfa (“to rove; stray about”). Cognate with Icelandic ráfa (“to wander”), Scots rave (“to wander; stray; roam”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

roll, wander, swan, stray, tramp, roam, cast, ramble, range, drift, vagabond

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