Culverhouse

/ˈkʌlvərˌhaʊs/ noun

Definition

A building or shelter designed to house pigeons or doves, also known as a dovecote.

Etymology

From culver (Middle English for dove, from Old English culfre) plus house. This was a practical medieval and early modern structure for keeping pigeons both as pets and as a food source.

Kelly Says

Culverhouses were status symbols in medieval times because pigeons were expensive and valuable—owning a culverhouse meant you had the wealth and social position to keep luxury birds, much like owning a falcon for hunting showed high rank.

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