n. (Zool.) A common European wild pigeon (Columba aenas), so called because at one time believed to be the stock of the domestic pigeon, or, according to some, from its breeding in the stocks, or trunks, of trees. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The name is applied, also, to other related species, as the Indian stockdove (Palumbaena Eversmanni). [ 1913 Webster ]