DOVED

DOVE

Dove, n. Etym: [OE. dove, duve, douve, AS. d; akin to OS. d, D. duif, OHG. t, G. taube, Icel. d, Sw. dufva, Dan. due, Goth. d; perh. from the root of E. dive.]

1. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A pigeon of the genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous.

Note: The domestic dove, including the varieties called fantails, tumblers, carrier pigeons, etc., was derived from the rock pigeon (Columba livia) of Europe and Asia; the turtledove of Europe, celebrated for its sweet, plaintive note, is C. turtur or Turtur vulgaris; the ringdove, the largest of European species, is C. palumbus; the Carolina dove, or Mourning dove, is Zenaidura macroura; the sea dove is the little auk (Mergulus alle or Alle alle). See Turtledove, Ground dove, and Rock pigeon. The dove is a symbol of innocence, gentleness, and affection; also, in art and in the Scriptures, the typical symbol of the Holy Ghost.

2. A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle. O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice. Cant. ii. 14. Dove tick (Zoöl.), a mite (Argas reflexus) which infests doves and other birds.

– Soiled dove, a prostitute. [Slang]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition