Soiled dove

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]