To set the sails of a vessel so that their driving force is in opposition. This allows a vessel to stop or slow while her sails are still set.
To back-wind the jib and luff the main to hold a position especially in heavy seas
to bring the ship's head into the wind or sea and hold her there by the use of engines and rudder.
To bring a vessel up in a position where it will maintain little or no headway, usually with the bow into the wind or nearly so.
To stop a sailing vessel by lashing the helm in opposition to the sails. The vessel will gradually drift to leeward, the speed of the drift depending on the vessel's design.
to stop a boat and maintain position (with some leeway) by balancing rudder and sail to prevent forward movement, a boat stopped this way is "hove to"
Arrange the boat and sails to ride comfortably and move as little as possible.
steering into the wind and sea making minimum headway.
to reduce the power until the ship is just maintaining steerage with little or no headway, e.g., to perform scientific activities or ride out rough seas
Point the ship into the wind. Past Hove To