cŏlumba, ae, f. [columbus], a dove, pigeon, Cic. Ac. 2, 25, 79; id. Fin. 3, 5, 18; Plaut. As. 3, 3, 103; Varr. R. R. 3, 7; Col. 8, 8; Plin. 10, 34, 52, § 104; Pall. 1, 24; Ov. M. 1, 506; 5, 605; id. Am. 2, 6, 56; Hor. C. 1, 37, 18; 4, 4, 32; id. Epod. 16, 32; as sacred to Venus: Cythereiades, Ov. M. 15, 386; cf. Hyg. Fab. 197.
As a term of endearment, my dove, Plaut. Cas. 1, 1, 50 al.; cf. Vulg. Cant. 2, 10.