messenger-pigeon

A messenger-pigeon flies through a clear blue sky with a small rolled parchment attached to its leg.

Definition

Noun: A "messenger-pigeon" is a type of pigeon that has been trained to carry written messages, typically tied to its leg, and released to fly back to its home location. These birds were historically used for communication before modern technology.

Usage Examples

• (A trained pigeon carrying a message.)
• (A historical specimen of a message-carrying bird.)

Advanced Usage

• "to send a message by messenger-pigeon": to use a pigeon as a means of communication.
  • In the 19th century, journalists would send reports by messenger-pigeon from remote areas. (They used pigeons to transport written news.)

Variants and Related Words

• Carrier pigeon (n): another common name for a messenger-pigeon, though "carrier pigeon" is more widely used today.
  • The carrier pigeon flew hundreds of miles to deliver its message. (Synonymous with messenger-pigeon.)
• Homing pigeon (n): a pigeon bred for its ability to find its way home over long distances, often used as a messenger-pigeon.
  • Homing pigeons were essential for communication before the telegraph. (A breed of pigeon used for message delivery.)

Synonyms

• Carrier pigeon: a pigeon trained to carry messages.
• Homing pigeon: a pigeon that can return to its home location from a distance.

Related Idioms

• "Pigeon post": a system of sending messages using pigeons.
  • The ancient Romans used pigeon post to relay military intelligence. (A communication network employing messenger-pigeons.)

(Note: There are no common phrasal verbs or idioms specific to "messenger-pigeon" itself, as it is a compound noun referring to a specific animal and its function.)