DOVING
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