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.