Covet (kvt), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Covered; p. pr. & vb. n. Coveting.]
Etymology: [OF. coveitier, covoitier, F. convoiter, from a derivative fr. L. cupere to desire; cf. Skr. kup to become excited. Cf. Cupidity.]
1. To wish for with eagerness; to desire possession of; -- used in a good sen Covet earnestly the best gifts. 1. Cor. xxii. 31. If it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive. Shak.
2. To long for inordinately or unlawfully; to hanker after (something forbidden). Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Ex. xx. 17.
Syn: To long for; desire; hanker after; crave.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Covet, v. i.
To have or indulge inordinate desire. Which [money] while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith. 1 Tim. vi. 10.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists covet only as an antonym, under abhor.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.