cul·ver I. \ˈkəlvə(r), ˈku̇l-\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English culfre, culufre, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin columbra, from Latin columbula, diminutive of columba dove — more at columba : dove, pigeon; specificallyBritain: wood pigeon II. \ˈkəlvə(r)\noun (-s) Etymology: by shortening : culverin