The Collaborative International Dictionary
Turkey \Tur"key\, n. [Cf. 2d Turkey.] An empire in the southeast of Europe and southwest of Asia. Turkey carpet, a superior kind of carpet made in Asia Minor and adjoining countries, having a deep pile and composed of pure wool with a weft of different material. It is distinguishable by its coloring and patterns from similar carpets made in India and elsewhere. Turkey oak. (Bot.) See Cerris. Turkey red.
A brilliant red imparted by madder to cottons, calicoes, etc., the fiber of which has been prepared previously with oil or other fatty matter.
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Cloth dyed with this red.
Turkey sponge. (Zo["o]l.) See Toilet sponge, under Sponge.
Turkey stone, a kind of oilstone from Turkey; novaculite; -- called also Turkey oilstone.
Wikipedia
Turkey red is a color that was widely used to dye cotton in the 18th and 19th century. It was made using the root of the rubia plant, through a long and laborious process. It originated in India or Turkey, and was brought to Europe in the 1740s. In France it was known as rouge d'Andrinople.
Usage examples of "turkey red".
There will be necessary variations, of course: some receivers will see a cloth which is turkey red, some will see one that's scarlet, while others may see still other shades.