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. (Zool.) 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 (Zool.), a mite (Argas reflexus) which infests
      doves and other birds.

   Soiled dove, a prostitute. [Slang] Dovecot