DCHP-1 Online

potlatching ((n.)) Esp. Pacific Coast

• 1a n. Hist. the holding of potlatches (def. 2a).

  See also: potlatch ((n.)) (def. 2a)  

  • 1882  (1961)  The question of "potlaching" has engaged the most serious attention.
  • 1964  Potlatching also changed in character. Among the Kwakiutl at least, it became a substitute for war. . . . During the 1850's and 1860's warfare decreased and potlatching increased.

• 1b n. the holding of potlatches (def. 2b).

  See also: potlatch ((n.)) (def. 2b)  

  • 1958  Potlatching is carried on at burials. As this was described to us it was merely a large, somewhat drunken party with no gift giving, but this report was from the Sisters and is probably not a full account.

• 2 n. Hist. the holding of potlatches (def. 3).

  See also: potlatch ((n.)) (def. 3)  

  • 1891  If potlatching and old-fashioned dancing did not at once fall into desuetude, it was because both were countenanced by the North-West Company and, later on, the Hudson Bay Company.
  • 1922  Smoking, drinking, potlaching, and Sunday work were prohibited.
  • 1923  They will all come up the river again and spend several days potlatching.