'Turtledove' definitions:

Definition of 'turtledove'

noun

Small Australian dove [syn: Australian turtledove, turtledove, Stictopelia cuneata]

noun

Any of several Old World wild doves

From: GCIDE

Turtledove \Tur"tle*dove`\ (t[^u]r"t'l-d[u^]v`), n. [See 1st Turtle.] [1913 Webster]
1. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of pigeons belonging to Turtur and allied genera, native of various parts of the Old World; especially, the common European species (Turtur vulgaris), which is noted for its plaintive note, affectionate disposition, and devotion to its mate. [1913 Webster]
Note: The South African turtledove (Turtur albiventris), and the ashy turtledove of India (Turtur rubicolus), are similar to the European species in their habits. [1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.) Any one of several species of pigeons more or less resembling the true turtledoves, as the American mourning dove (see under Dove), and the Australian turtledove (Stictopelia cuneata). [1913 Webster]
Note: The turtledove of the Scriptures is probably Turtur risorius, a species which is still plentiful in Egypt and other Eastern countries. It is closely allied to the European turtledove. [1913 Webster]

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