Past tense of 'heave' in nautical contexts, meaning to move into view or come to a stop. Often used in the phrase 'hove into sight' or 'hove to.'
From Middle English 'hove,' past tense of 'heave,' from Old English 'hebban' meaning 'to lift, raise.' The nautical usage developed because ships' movements involve lifting and falling with waves and wind.
The word 'hove' preserves an archaic past tense form that survives mainly in maritime language - sailors still say a ship 'hove into sight' rather than 'heaved,' maintaining centuries of nautical tradition in their speech.
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