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Olive branch

//ˈɒlɪv bɹɑːntʃ// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A branch of an olive tree offered as an emblem of peace.

    "I appeal to you to enable our people to establish national independent sovereignty over its own land. / Today I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom-fighter's gun. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. I repeat: do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. / War flares up in Palestine, and yet it is in Palestine that peace will be born."

  2. 2
    something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace wordnet
  3. 3
    Any symbol of peace, or a peace offering to an adversary to show goodwill and in the hope of securing peace. figuratively

    "extend an olive branch"

  4. 4
    Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: A branch of an olive tree.
Verb
  1. 1
    Alternative form of olive-branch. alt-of, alternative

    "There's no olive branching. You see I know these people backwards, the agony and the problems we had with those fellows is unbelievable," he says."

Etymology

Etymology 1

The olive branch has been regarded as a symbol of peace since Ancient Greek times. For example, in Virgil’s Aeneid (written between 29 and 19 B.C.E.), Aeneas holds an olive branch and declares that it bears the following message: “The Trojans and their Chief / Bring holy peace; and beg the King’s relief.” The symbolism was strengthened by the reference in Genesis 8:11 of the Bible to Noah sending out a dove from the Ark which returns bearing an olive leaf in its beak, thus showing that the Great Flood is receding.

Etymology 2

The olive branch has been regarded as a symbol of peace since Ancient Greek times. For example, in Virgil’s Aeneid (written between 29 and 19 B.C.E.), Aeneas holds an olive branch and declares that it bears the following message: “The Trojans and their Chief / Bring holy peace; and beg the King’s relief.” The symbolism was strengthened by the reference in Genesis 8:11 of the Bible to Noah sending out a dove from the Ark which returns bearing an olive leaf in its beak, thus showing that the Great Flood is receding.

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