The New International Encyclopædia/Columbine

COL′UMBINE (Fr., It. Columbina, from Lat. columbinus, dove-like, from columba, dove). (1) A conventional character in old Italian comedy and the pantomime, first appearing about 1560. She was the daughter of Pantaloon and the object of Harlequin's adoration, and so appears in English pantomime. See Pantomime. (2) A wild flower, emblematic of forsaken lovers, in old English verse.

“	The columbine in tawny often taken, Is then ascribed to such as are forsaken.”
	(Browne's British Pastorals, 1613).