Rotche n. Zool. A very small arctic sea bird (Mergulus alle, or Alle alle) common on both coasts of the Atlantic in winter; -- called also little auk, dovekie, rotch, rotchie, and sea dove.

 ◄ ►


 Sea dove Zool. The little auk, or rotche. See Illust. of Rotche.

 ◄ ►


 Dove n.
 1. Zool. A pigeon of the genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous.
 Note: ☞ The domestic dove, including the varieties called fantails, tumblers, carrier pigeons, etc., was derived from the rock pigeon (Columba livia) of Europe and Asia; the turtledove of Europe, celebrated for its sweet, plaintive note, is Columba turtur or Turtur vulgaris; the ringdove, the largest of European species, is Columba palumbus; the Carolina dove, or Mourning dove, is Zenaidura macroura; the sea dove is the little auk (Mergulus alle or Alle alle). See Turtledove, Ground dove, and Rock pigeon. The dove is a symbol of peace, innocence, gentleness, and affection; also, in art and in the Scriptures, the typical symbol of the Holy Ghost.
 2. A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.
    O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice.   --Cant. ii. 14.
 Dove tick Zool., a mite (Argas reflexus) which infests doves and other birds.
 Soiled dove, a prostitute. [Slang]

 ◄ ►