Potlatch Definition
pŏtlăch
potlatches
noun
Among some American Indians of the N Pacific coast,
Webster's New World
A ceremonial feast among certain Native American peoples of the northwest Pacific coast, as in celebration of a marriage or accession, at which the host distributes gifts according to each guest's rank or status. Between rival groups the potlatch could involve extravagant or competitive giving and destruction by the host of valued items as a display of superior wealth.
American Heritage
A communal meal to which guests bring dishes to share.
Wiktionary
Other Word Forms of Potlatch
Noun
Singular:
potlatch
Plural:
potlatchesOrigin of Potlatch
-
From Chinook Jargon potlatch (“gift"), from Nootka pÌ“ačiÆ› (“to give in ceremony").
From Wiktionary
Chinook Jargon from Nootka p'achitl to make a potlatch gift
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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