WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Tur"tle*dove`
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [See 1ts Turtle.]
Definition : 1. (Zo?l.)

Defn: 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 (T. albiventris), and the ashy turtledove of India (T. rubicolus), are similar to the European species in their habits.

2. (Zo?l.)

Defn: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913