TURTLEDOVE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Turtledove

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noun

Turtledove n.

(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. Note: The South African turtledove (Turtur albiventris), and the ashy turtledove of India (Turtur rubicolus), are similar to the European species in their habits.

(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). 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.

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Etymology of 'Turtledove'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Turtledove" Quotes from Famous Books

... is bad. That's what our fool playwrights have done for us. In order to draw full houses they put the world upside down and call it great-souled if a woman sacrifices her children and her family to indulge her senses. I should like to live like a turtledove, too. But as long as I have been in this world I have first obeyed my duty. If after that the opportunity offered, then, to be sure, I've enjoyed life to the full. But if one does not follow one's duty, one has no right to make the least ...

— The German Classics, v. 20 - Masterpieces of German Literature • Various