POWWOW • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Powwow

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noun

Powwow n.

A priest, or conjurer, among the North American Indians. "Be it sagamore, sachem, or powwow."

Conjuration attended with great noise and confusion, and often with feasting, dancing, etc., performed by Indians for the cure of diseases, to procure success in hunting or in war, and for other purposes.

Hence: Any assembly characterized by noise and confusion; a noisy frolic or gathering. (Archaic, formerly Colloq. U. S.)

Any meeting assembled to discuss an issue; a parley. (Informal)

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Etymology of 'Powwow'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Powwow" Quotes from Famous Books

... have you all corralled nice an' neat out to th' camp where he could use his hooks an' make at least three ride mounts outta you. I'd walk soft near him for a while, or you'll have about as much chance as hens amblin' into a coyote powwow." ...

— Rebel Spurs • Andre Norton

... busy days of preparation for Peggy and Polly, for the outcome of that fireside powwow had been a decision in favor of Columbia Heights School for Polly also, for that winter at least, and when the fifteenth dawned bright and frosty, Mrs. Harold accompanied the girls to Washington, ...

— Peggy Stewart at School • Gabrielle E. Jackson

... tea when it was passed. That was their only show of interest in the festivities. Early on the morning of the second they all disappeared. But these were only a fragment of those that visit the Post in summer. It is then that they have their powwow. ...

— The Long Labrador Trail • Dillon Wallace

... me to join the 'circle' which they have just started at the minister's house. She says that old Tituba has promised to show them how the Indians of Barbados conjure and powwow, and that it will be great sport for ...

— Dulcibel - A Tale of Old Salem • Henry Peterson

... the row, would look out an' smile, an' Dave would wave his big hat an' whoop from glee. If he starts toward 'em, aimin' for a powwow—which he does frequent, bein' a mighty amiable gent that a-way—they carols forth a squawk immediate an' shets the door. Dave goes on. Mebby he gives the door a kick or ...

— Wolfville Days • Alfred Henry Lewis

Words linked to "Powwow" : talk over, council, conference, huddle, colloquialism, group discussion