| 1. | a branch of the olive tree as an emblem of peace. |
| 2. | any token of peace. |
| olive branch n.
|
The branch brought by a dove to Noah's ark signifying that the flood was receding.
Note: An olive branch is now regarded as a sign of peace, as is the dove. (See hawks and doves.)
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]