Doven

/ˈdʌvən/ verb

Definition

To behave like or move like a dove; to coo softly.

Etymology

Derived from 'dove' (the bird), with the '-en' suffix used to create verbs from nouns (similar to 'darken' from 'dark' or 'blacken' from 'black'). The verb describes dove-like behavior.

Kelly Says

This is a really old verb that you almost never see anymore, but medieval and early modern poets used it when they wanted to describe someone speaking softly and gently or moving gracefully.

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