/terr"tl duv'/ , n.
1. any of several small to medium-sized Old World doves of the genus Streptopelia, esp. S. turtur, of Europe, having a long, graduated tail: noted for its soft, cooing call.
2. See mourning dove .
3. a sweetheart or beloved mate.
[ 1250-1300; ME turtildove, equiv. to turtil TURTLE 2 + dove DOVE 1 ]