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Definition turkey

Etymology

16th century, from Turkey. First used of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), native to Africa, which was imported to Europe by Turkey merchants. Slightly later, the word was also used of the larger northern American bird Meleagris gallopavo, which was brought to Spain by conquistadors in 1523. This transfer of the name may have occurred because the two birds were considered similar to each other, or because the North American turkey was in part introduced to northern Europe via Ottoman territories, or simply to convey the meaning of “foreign”. Note here the French dindon (from Inde (“India”)) and Arabic ?????? ???????‎ (dajj?j r?miyy, literally “Greek” or “Christian chicken”).

Noun

turkey (countable and uncountable, plural turkeys)

1. Either of two species of bird in the genus Meleagris with fan-shaped tails and wattled necks.
2. (uncountable) The meat or flesh of this bird eaten as food
3. (colloquial) A failure.
4. (slang, usually mildly derogatory) A foolish or inept person.
5. (bowling) An act of throwing three strikes in a row.
6. (obsolete) The guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). [from c. 1600]
7. (medical slang, derogatory) A patient feigning symptoms; a person faking illness or injury; a malingerer.
8. (dated, slang, US, Australia) A large travel bag; a suitcase; a pack carried by a lumberman; a bindle. [early 20th c.]

Results 42 Words with the letters TURKEY

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