Columbier

/kɒlʌmˈbieɪ/ noun

Definition

A person who tends or raises pigeons; a pigeon keeper or pigeon fancier.

Etymology

From French 'columbier,' derived from Latin 'columba' (dove/pigeon) plus the French agent suffix '-ier' (one who does something). French uses '-ier' like English uses '-er' to name occupations.

Kelly Says

Pigeon keeping was such a respected profession in medieval and Renaissance Europe that it had its own special name—columbiers had high status because pigeons were valuable for food, messages, and sport, making them the veterinarians of their time!

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