1. the practice of smuggling goods, especially by landing them secretly on a coast
Usage: archaic; historical; chiefly British

1. to engage in smuggling; to land goods illegally on a coast
Usage: archaic; historical; chiefly British

Examples

• Hoveling was a common crime along the English coast during the 18th century.
• Smugglers engaged in hoveling to avoid paying customs duties.
• The authorities cracked down on hoveling operations in the harbor.
• Hoveling gangs would land their contraband under cover of darkness.
• The captain was arrested for hoveling French wine into the country.