Sekirov Dictionary

powwow

/ˈpaʊ(ˌ)waʊ/

noun 6
verb 3
forms 3

noun6

A Native American council or meeting.
•
(informal) A short, private conference.
- While the powwow was going on the big woman came back again. She was consider'ble rumpled and scratched up, but there was fire in her eye. — 1913
•
(US, Canada) A large gathering during which Indigenous songs and dances are showcased for an audience, essentially a recital or concert. Often also doubles as a fundraiser, or can be held in conjunction with a non-indigenous fair or exhibition in order to attract a large crowd, as at the Calgary Stampede and K-Days.
- On the way out, Octavio handed me a flyer for the powwow that listed the prize money in each dance category. — 2018
A ritual conducted by a Native American shaman.
A Native American shaman.
A tradition of folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania Dutch.

verb3

•
To hold a meeting; to gather together in council.
- [The] Indians saw everything that happened and powwowed all night, needing more than anything else the presence of Tecumseh. The most aggressive element was the Winnebagos, who insisted on attacking. — 2005
(informal, offensive) To hold a private conference.
•
To conduct a ritual in which magic is used.
- Maybe no one— except possibly Leah— powwowed anymore. — 2007

forms

powwowed · powwowing · powwows

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