dove 1
— dovelike, dovish , adj. — dovishness , n.
/duv/ , n.
1. any bird of the family Columbidae, esp. the smaller species with pointed tails. Cf. pigeon (def. 1).
2. a pure white member of this species, used as a symbol of innocence, gentleness, tenderness, and peace.
3. ( cap. ) a symbol for the Holy Ghost.
4. an innocent, gentle, or tender person.
5. Also called peace dove . a person, esp. one in public office, who advocates peace or a conciliatory national attitude. Cf. hawk 1 (def. 4).
6. See dove color .
7. ( cap. ) Astron. the constellation Columba.
[ 1150-1200; ME; OE dufe- (in dufedoppa dip-diver); c. D duif, G Taube, ON dufa, Goth dubo, orig. a diver ]
dove 2
/dohv/ , v.
a pt. of dive .