Pi"geon (?), n. [F., fr. L. pipio a young pipping or chirping bird, fr.
pipire to peep, chirp. Cf. Peep to chirp.] 1. (Zoˆl.) Any bird of the
order ColumbÊ, 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 under Passenger, and
Dove. See, also, Fruit pigeon, Ground pigeon, Queen pigeon, Stock
pigeon, under Fruit, Ground, etc.