Definition of "nov"

The novice eights race demonstrated one of the reasons UVa manages to be so good year after year; the UVa novs finished first and second in the event, while Clemson's novice crew, the surprise of the regatta, took third.

1999, Oli Rosenbladt, “Virginia Women Sweep Rivanna Romp”, in Rowing News, volume 6, number 21, page 8

He scanned the group and his heart sank; he was shocked to see that, like Alex, they were mostly novices. […] He pulled down his scarf and drew Kraze to one side. 'Woz happenin' with the novs?'

2015, Echo Freer, Toxic Treacle