Search Result for "carrier pigeons":

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dove \Dove\ (d[u^]v), n. [OE. dove, duve, douve, AS. d[=u]fe; akin to OS. d[=u]ba, D. duif, OHG. t[=u]ba, G. taube, Icel. d[=u]fa, Sw. dufva, Dan. due, Goth. d[=u]b[=o]; perh. from the root of E. dive.] 1. (Zool.) A pigeon of the genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous. [1913 Webster] 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 Columba turtur or Turtur vulgaris; the ringdove, the largest of European species, is Columba 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 peace, innocence, gentleness, and affection; also, in art and in the Scriptures, the typical symbol of the Holy Ghost. [1913 Webster] 2. A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle. [1913 Webster] O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice. --Cant. ii. 14. [1913 Webster] 3. a person advocating peace, compromise or conciliation rather than war or conflict. Opposite of hawk. [PJC] Dove tick (Zool.), a mite (Argas reflexus) which infests doves and other birds. Soiled dove, a prostitute. [Slang] Dovecot