'fantails' definitions:
Definition of 'fantails'
From: GCIDE
- 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