olive branch



olive branch

A symbol of peace, an offering of good will, as in They feuded for years, but finally the Hatfields came over bearing an olive branch. This term is alluded to in the Bible (Genesis 8:11), where the dove comes to Noah after the flood with an olive leaf in its mouth. [c. 1600]
See also: branch, olive

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Dismas-Judeo-Christian Legend
SueSOOEnglish
Damien-French
StanisŁAwstah-NEE-swahfPolish
KirKEERRussian
Emem-Western African, Ibibio