dovecote

[ duhv-koht ]

/ ˈdʌvˌkoʊt /

noun

a structure, usually at a height above the ground, for housing domestic pigeons.

Nearby words

dove, dove color, dove prion, dove prism, dove, rita, dovecote, dovekie, doven, dover, dover's powder, dover, strait of

Idioms

flutter the dovecotes, to cause a stir in a quiet or conservative institution or group: The flamboyant manner of the tourists fluttered the dovecotes of the sleepy New England town.

Also dove·cot

[duhv-kot] /ˈdʌv kɒt/.

Origin of dovecote

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at dove¹, cote¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dovecote

From their resemblance to a dovecote or pigeon house they were called columbria.
The Private Life of the Romans|Harold Whetstone Johnston
Owls have taken possession of the dovecote; but they are hereditary owls, and must not be disturbed.
The Oxford Book of American Essays|Various
She wore the dovecote, and over it an open circlet of gold and gems, to mark her royal rank.
The White Rose of Langley|Emily Sarah Holt
The boat came hissing through the water toward the Dovecote, while I stretched away for the other snug cave.
Mary Anerley|R. D. Blackmore

I cannot ascertain the position of the rock Peristereon (dovecote).
Jerusalem Explored, Volume I--Text|Ermete Pierotti

British Dictionary definitions for dovecote

dovecote

dovecot (ˈdʌvˌkɒt)

/ (ˈdʌvˌkəʊt) /

noun

a structure for housing pigeons, often raised on a pole or set on a wall, containing compartments for the birds to roost and lay eggs

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for dovecote

dovecote

early 15c., from dove (n.) + cote.