Main Entry:

¹pot·latch

Pronunciation:

\ˈpät-ˌlach\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Chinook Jargon patlač, from Nootka p̓aƛp̓ač

Date:

circa 1861

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 reciprocation2Northwest : a social event or celebration