> Whatever a tove is . . .

In our family circle, a "slithy tove" is used as a perjorative term for an unreliable character - most frequent use is probably for pushy retail salespeople (usually men, I have to say) who are oily and obsequious. Uriah Heep (David Copperfield) was definitely a slithy tove.

Incidentally, my family all refer to dark woodland as "tulgy woods," and accuse each other of burbling. (Well - mostly it is my progeny who refer to me, their revered parent in that fashion. I cannot think why.)