The Collaborative International Dictionary
Stockdove \Stock"dove`\, n. (Zo["o]l.) A common European wild pigeon ( Columba [ae]nas), so called because at one time believed to be the stock of the domestic pigeon, or, according to some, from its breeding in the stocks, or trunks, of trees.
Note: The name is applied, also, to other related species, as the Indian stockdove ( Palumb[ae]na Eversmanni).
Wiktionary
n. 1 A common European wild pigeon (''Columba oenas''). 2 Any of various related species, such as the (vern: Indian stockdove) ((taxlink Palumbaena eversmanni species noshow=1)).
Usage examples of "stockdove".
Then the Cook took another draught from the pottle, and, clearing his throat, sang right sweetly: THE SONG OF THE DESERTED SHEPHERDESS "In Lententime, when leaves wax green, And pretty birds begin to mate, When lark cloth sing, and thrush, I ween, And stockdove cooeth soon and late, Fair Phillis sat beside a stone, And thus I heard her make her moan: 'O willow, willow, willow, willow!