potlatch noun & verb. ['pɒtlatʃ] Chiefly N. Amer. Also potlache. M19.
[Chinook Jargon from Nootka p'ačit make a gift at a potlatch.]
A. noun. Among some N. American Indians of the Pacific coast, an extravagant and competitive ceremonial feast at which a person, esp. a chief, gives presents and gives away or destroys possessions in order to enhance his or her status; transf. (N. Amer. colloq.) a wild party. M19.
b. verb.
1. verb intrans. Hold a potlatch. L19.

2. verb trans. Give. E20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲