carrier pigeons

carrier pigeons
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:

  • Carrier pigeon — A Carrier pigeon is a Homing Pigeon (specifically a domesticated Rock Pigeon, Columba livia ) that has been used to carry messages. Using pigeons to carry messages is generally called pigeon post. Most homing/racing type varieties can be used to… …   Wikipedia

  • carrier pigeon — Homing Hom ing (h[=o]m [i^]ng), p. a. Home returning; used specifically of carrier pigeons. [1913 Webster] {Homing pigeon}, any pigeon trained to return home from a distance. Also called {carrier pigeon}. Most are bred from the domestic pigeon… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • carrier pigeon — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms carrier pigeon : singular carrier pigeon plural carrier pigeons a pigeon that has been trained to carry messages …   English dictionary

  • carrier pigeon — noun a homing pigeon used to carry messages • Hypernyms: ↑homing pigeon, ↑homer * * * noun, pl ⋯ geons [count] : a type of pigeon that is trained to carry messages * * * ˈcarrier pigeon [carrier pigeon carrier pigeons] …   Useful english dictionary

  • carrier pigeon — n. 1. former name for HOMING PIGEON 2. any of a breed of large show pigeons with big wattles …   English World dictionary

  • carrier pigeon — noun Date: 1647 1. a pigeon used to carry messages; especially homing pigeon 2. any of a breed of large long bodied show pigeons …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • carrier pigeon — 1. one of a breed of domestic pigeons having a large wattle around the base of the beak. 2. a homing pigeon trained to carry messages. [1640 50] * * * …   Universalium

  • carrier pigeon — car′rier pig eon n. 1) orn one of a breed of domestic pigeons having a large wattle 2) orn a homing pigeon • Etymology: 1640–50 …   From formal English to slang

  • carrier pigeon — /kæriə ˈpɪdʒən/ (say kareeuh pijuhn) noun 1. a pigeon trained to fly home from great distances and thus transport written messages; a homing pigeon. 2. one of a breed of domestic pigeons characterised by a huge wattle at the base of the beak …  

  • Curtiss Carrier Pigeon — Role Mail aircraft National origin United States Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company First flight 1925 Primary user U.S. Airmail Variants Curtiss Lark The …   Wikipedia

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