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]
DOVECOT; DOVECOTE
Dove"cot`, Dove"cote`, n.
Defn: A small house or box, raised to a considerable height above the
ground, and having compartments, in which domestic pigeons breed; a
dove house.
Like an eagle in a dovecote, I Fluttered your Volscians in Corioli.
Shak.
DOVE-EYED
Dove"-eyed`, a.
Defn: Having eyes like a dove; meekeyed; as, dove-eyed Peace.
DOVEKIE
Dove"kie, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A guillemot (Uria grylle), of the arctic regions. Also applied to the little auk or sea dove. See under Dove.
DOVELET
Dove"let, n.
Defn: A young or small dove. Booth.