First Known Use: circa 1858
Dictionary
1potlatch
noun pot·latch \ˈpät-ˌlach\
Definition of POTLATCH
1
: a ceremonial feast of the American Indians of the northwest coast marked by the host's lavish distribution of gifts or sometimes destruction of property to demonstrate wealth and generosity with the expectation of eventual reciprocation
2
Northwest : a social event or celebration
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Origin of POTLATCH
Chinook Jargon patlač, from Nootka p̓aƛp̓ač
Rhymes with POTLATCH
2potlatch
verb
Definition of POTLATCH
transitive verb
1
: to give (as a gift) especially with the expectation of a gift in return
2
: to hold or give a potlatch for (as a tribe or group)
intransitive verb
: to hold or give a potlatch
First Known Use of POTLATCH
1898
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