What does "powwow" mean?
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.
Additional senses
- 2.Hence: Any assembly characterized by noise and confusion; a noisy frolic or gathering. [Colloq. U. S.]
- 3.To use conjuration, with noise and confusion, for the cure of disease, etc., as among the North American Indians.
- 4.Hence: To hold a noisy, disorderly meeting. [Colloq. U. S.]
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00