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 (T. albiventris), and
the ashy turtledove of India (T. 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Dove \Dove\, n. [OE. dove, duve, douve, AS. d?fe; akin to OS.
d?ba, D. duif, OHG. t?ba, G. taube, Icel. d?fa, Sw. dufva,
Dan. due, Goth. d?b?; 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 C. turtur or
Turtur vulgaris; the ringdove, the largest of
European species, is C. 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 innocence, gentleness,
and affection; also, in art and in the Scriptures, the
typical symbol of the Holy Ghost.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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