doves

Noun

dove (countable and uncountable, plural doves)

1. (countable) A pigeon, especially one smaller in size and white-colored; a bird (often arbitrarily called either a pigeon or a dove or both) of more than three hundred species of the family Columbidae.
   • Dove's brains have been prepared by chefs for amorous expectations.1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 77

   Synonyms:

   culver

2. (countable) A person favouring conciliation and negotiation rather than conflict.
   • On the left are the activist Vietniks, eager to protest the war; next are the doves, who oppose the U.S. role but shun demonstrations; and in the middle are the apathetics, who simply are not concerned enough to think through their own stand.1965 November 19, “Universities: The Spectrum on Viet Nam”, in Time, volume 86, number 21, page 67

   Synonyms:

   peace dove

   Antonyms:

   hawk

3. (countable) A term of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.
   • O my dove, […] let me hear thy voice.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Song of Solomon 2:14
4. A greyish, bluish, pinkish colour like that of the bird.

See all 9 meanings of dove