potlatch

potlatch Definition

☆ pot·latch (pät′lac̸h′)

noun

among some American Indians of the N Pacific coast,

a winter festival
a distribution or exchange of gifts during such a festival, often involving the squandering of the host's belongings

Etymology: < AmInd (Chinook) patshatl, gift

potlatch Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

priceless: What beautiful and priceless potlatches the affluent society will see - whether it likes it or not!
on-line: Instead of being bought and sold, information will become freely available to everyone participating within the on-line potlatch.

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