释义 |
dove 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 hraiwadūbo 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 |