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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Turtur vulgaris

Turtledove \Tur"tle*dove`\, n. [See 1ts Turtle.]

  1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of pigeons belonging to Turtur and allied genera, native of various parts of the Old World; especially, the common European species ( Turtur vulgaris), which is noted for its plaintive note, affectionate disposition, and devotion to its mate.

    Note: The South African turtledove ( Turtur albiventris), and the ashy turtledove of India ( Turtur rubicolus), are similar to the European species in their habits.

  2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of pigeons more or less resembling the true turtledoves, as the American mourning dove (see under Dove), and the Australian turtledove ( Stictopelia cuneata).

    Note: The turtledove of the Scriptures is probably Turtur risorius, a species which is still plentiful in Egypt and other Eastern countries. It is closely allied to the European turtledove.

Turtur vulgaris

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. (Zo["o]l.) A pigeon of the genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous.

    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.

  2. A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.

    O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice.
    --Cant. ii. 14.

  3. a person advocating peace, compromise or conciliation rather than war or conflict. Opposite of hawk.

    Dove tick (Zo["o]l.), a mite ( Argas reflexus) which infests doves and other birds.

    Soiled dove, a prostitute. [Slang]