Powwow
/ˈpaʊˌwaʊ/noun
A meeting or gathering, especially for discussion or ceremony.
Did you know?English borrowed powwow in the 17th century from an Algonquian term for a shaman, and the word was originally tied to healing and ritual, not casual chatter.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Algonquian
PA
*pauwa·wa
“to speak or be a shaman/ceremonial healer”
17th Century
English
powwow
“a Native American spiritual leader, healer, or ceremonial gathering”
18th Century
English
powwow
“a meeting or council, especially among Native Americans”
Modern English
English
powwow
“an informal meeting or discussion”