Early 17th century; earliest use found in George Wither (1588–1667), poet. Origin unknown. With the first element perhaps compare the place name Rowland, Derbyshire, the surname Rowland, or the male forename Roland.
Definition of rowland-hoe in US English:
rowland-hoe
nounˌrəʊləndˈhəʊ
rare, historical
A kind of game (not identified).
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in George Wither (1588–1667), poet. Origin unknown. With the first element perhaps compare the place name Rowland, Derbyshire, the surname Rowland, or the male forename Roland.