Dove (?), n. [OE. dove, duve, douve, AS. d&?;fe; akin to OS.
d&?;ba, D.
duif, OHG. t&?;ba, G. taube, Icel. d&?;fa, Sw. dufva, Dan. due, Goth. d&?;b&?;; perh. from the root
of E. dive.]
1. (Zoöl.) A pigeon of the
genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous.
&fist; 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]
Hear it pronounced