Word Study
potlatch
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun potlatch has 1 sense
- potlatch(n = noun.event) Array - a ceremonial feast held by some Indians of the northwestern coast of North America (as in celebrating a marriage or a new accession) in which the host gives gifts to tribesmen and others to display his superior wealth (sometimes, formerly, to his own impoverishment); Array is a kind of feast, fete, fiesta, ceremonial, ceremonial occasion, ceremony, observance
CIDE DICTIONARY
potlatch, n. [Chinook potlatch, pahtlatch, fr. Nootka pahchilt, pachalt, a gift.].
- Among the Kwakiutl, Chimmesyan, and other Indians of the northwestern coast of North America, a ceremonial distribution by a man of gifts to his own and neighboring tribesmen, often, formerly, to his own impoverishment. Feasting, dancing, and public ceremonies accompany it. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
- Hence, a feast given to a large number of persons, often accompanied by gifts. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
potlatch, n. (among N. American Indians) a ceremonial giving away or destruction of property to enhance status.
Etymology
Chinook f. Nootka patlatsh gift
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