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pigeon

1. (Science: zoology) Any bird of the order Columbae, of which numerous species occur in nearly all parts of the world.

The common domestic pigeon, or dove, was derived from the old world rock pigeon (Columba livia). It has given rise to numerous very remarkable varieties, such as the carrier, fantail, nun, pouter, tumbler, etc. The common wild pigeons of the Eastern united states are the passenger pigeon, and the Carolina dove. See Passenger, and Dove. See, also, fruit pigeon, ground pigeon, queen pigeon, stock pigeon, under Fruit, Ground, etc.

2. An unsuspected victim of sharpers; a gull.

(Science: zoology) blue pigeon, any one of the large Asiatic fruit pigeons of the genus Carpophada.

(Science: botany) Pigeon berry The upland plover. The golden plover.

Origin: F, fr. L. Pipio a young pipping or chirping bird, fr. Pipire to peep, chirp. Cf. Peep to chirp.