ringdove

ringdove
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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

2. A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle. [1913 Webster]

O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice. --Cant. ii. 14. [1913 Webster]

3. a person advocating peace, compromise or conciliation rather than war or conflict. Opposite of {hawk}. [PJC]

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

{Soiled dove}, a prostitute. [Slang]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Ringdove — Ring dove , n. (Zo[ o]l.) A European wild pigeon ({Columba palumbus}) having a white crescent on each side of the neck, whence the name. Called also {wood pigeon}, and {cushat}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • ringdove — ► NOUN Brit. ▪ a wood pigeon …   English terms dictionary

  • ringdove — [riŋ′duv΄] n. any of various Eurasian pigeons with markings around the neck; esp., a small dove (Streptopelia risoria) …   English World dictionary

  • ringdove — noun Date: 1538 1. wood pigeon 2. ringed turtle dove …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • ringdove — /ring duv /, n. 1. a small Old World dove, Streptopelia risoria, having a black half ring around the nape of the neck. 2. See wood pigeon. Also, ring dove. [1530 40; RING1 + DOVE1] * * * …   Universalium

  • ringdove — noun the wood pigeon …   Wiktionary

  • ringdove — noun 1》 Brit. another term for wood pigeon. 2》 N. Amer. a captive or feral African collared dove. [Streptopelia roseogrisea.] …   English new terms dictionary

  • ringdove — ring′dove or ring′ dove n. 1) orn Also called ringed′ tur′tle dove . a small domestic dove, Streptopelia risoria having a black half ring around the nape of the neck. 2) orn wood pigeon 1) • Etymology: 1530–40 …   From formal English to slang

  • ringdove — /ˈrɪŋdʌv/ (say ringduv) noun 1. → woodpigeon (def. 1). 2. Also, ringed turtle dove. a small dove, Streptopelia decaocto, with a black half ring around the neck, widespread throughout Eurasia, and introduced into Japan and the United States.… …  

  • ringdove — noun 1. greyish Old World turtledove with a black band around the neck; often caged • Syn: ↑Streptopelia risoria • Hypernyms: ↑turtledove 2. Eurasian pigeon with white patches on wings and neck • Syn: ↑wood pigeon, ↑cushat …   Useful english dictionary

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