verb (used with object)
- to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others: to covet another’s property.
- to wish for, especially eagerly: He won the prize they all coveted.
verb (used without object)
- to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.
verb -vets, -veting or -veted (tr)
- to wish, long, or crave for (something, esp the property of another person)
v.mid-13c., from Old French coveitier “covet, desire, lust after” (12c., Modern French convoiter, influenced by con- words), probably ultimately from Latin cupiditas “passionate desire, eagerness, ambition,” from cupidus “very desirous,” from cupere “long for, desire” (see cupidity). Related: Coveted; coveting.