hover

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Hovered p. pr. & vb. n. Hovering. ] [ OE. hoveren, and hoven, prob. orig., to abide, linger, and fr. AS. hof house; cf. OFries. hovia to receive into one's house. See Hovel. ] 1. To hang fluttering in the air, or on the wing; to remain in flight or floating about or over a place or object; to be suspended in the air above something. [ 1913 Webster ]

Great flights of birds are hovering about the bridge, and settling on it. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

A hovering mist came swimming o'er his sight. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To hang about; to move to and fro near a place, threateningly, watchfully, or irresolutely. [ 1913 Webster ]

Agricola having sent his navy to hover on the coast. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hovering o'er the paper with her quill. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A vehicle that rides over water or land supported by the pressure of a stream of air generated by downward-thrusting fans, and is propelled forward by an air propeller; also called ACV and air-cushioned vehicle. [ Mostly found in Great Britain ] [ PJC ]

n. A device in an incubator for protecting the young chickens and keeping them warm. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) The kestrel. [ 1913 Webster ]