Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Dove
Dove
(dŭv)
, Noun.
[OE.
dove
, duve
, douve
, AS. dūfe
; akin to OS. dūba
, D. duif
, OHG. tūba
, G. taube
, Icel. dūfa
, Sw. dufva
, Dan. due
, Goth. dūbō
; perh. from the root of E. dive
.] 1.
(Zool.)
A pigeon of the genus
Columba
and various related genera. The species are numerous. ☞ 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. 2.
A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.
O my
dove
, . . . let me hear thy voice. Cant. ii. 14.
Webster 1828 Edition
Dove
DOVE
,Noun.
1.
The oenas, or domestic pigeon, a species of Columba. Its color is a deep bluish ash color; the breast is dashed with a fine changeable green and purple; the sides of the neck, with a copper color. In a wild state, it builds its nest in holes of rocks or in hollow trees, but it is easily domesticated, and forms one of the luxuries of the table.2.
A word of endearment, or an emblem of innocence. Cant. 2:14.