turtledove

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 ]

☞ 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 ]

☞ 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 ]