I. ˈdəv noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English douve, dove, doufe, from (assumed) Old English dūfe (in Dūfe, feminine prop. name); akin to Old High German tūba dove, Old Norse dūfa, Gothic hraiwa dūbo turtledove, and probably to Old English dēaf deaf — more at deaf
1. : any of numerous birds of the family Columbidae:
a. : any of various smaller wild pigeons (as the turtledove or mourning dove)
b. : pigeon
2. : a pure and gentle woman or child — used especially as a term of endearment
come little dove , don't be afraid
3.
a. : pelican 4
b. : dove gray
II.
past of dive
III. noun
( -es )
: one who takes a conciliatory attitude (as in a dispute) and advocates negotiations and compromise ; especially : an opponent of war — compare hawk herein
• dov·ish ˈdəvish adjective
• dov·ish·ness noun