TURKEY, n. A large bird whose flesh when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude. Incidentally, it is pretty good eating.

Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914?) American writer and journalist

“Turkey,” The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)
    (Source)

Originally published in The Devil's Dictionary [A-Z] as Vol. 7 of his Collected Works.