Definition of "gallinaceous" [gal•li•na•ceous]

• Of, belonging to, or characteristic of the order Galliformes, which includes the common domestic fowl as well as the pheasants, turkeys, and grouse. (adjective)
• Relating to or resembling the domestic fowl. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "We are not satisfied with the flavor nature has given to gallinaceous fowls, art has taken possession of them, and under the pretext of ameliorating, has made martyrs of them."
• "The turkey is the largest, and if not the finest, at least the most highly flavored of the gallinaceous family."
• "I am very fond of second courses, and devoutly believe that the whole gallinaceous family was made to enrich our larders and to deck our tables."