- the branch of the olive tree, traditionally a symbol of peace
- any peace offering
olive brancholive branch
- A branch of an olive tree regarded as an emblem of peace.
- An offer of peace: bore an olive branch to the new round of negotiations.
(plural olive branches)
With reference to classical myth, where the olivebranch was a symbol of peace and prosperity, merging with Biblical allusion to Genesis 8:11, where a dove returns to Noah's ark as a sign that the Flood is subsiding.
- The empress reassured him by fresh honours and distinctions on the occasion of the solemn celebration of the peace of Jassy (2nd of September 1793), when she publicly presented him with a golden olive-branch encrusted with brilliants.
- (From Seroux d'Agincourt.) dove, the anchor, the olive-branch, or the monogram of Christ (figs.