DCHP-1 Online

calumet [< Cdn F]

• n. an ornamented ceremonial pipe, used by certain Indian tribes as a symbol of peace and adopted by the white traders in their dealings with these Indians.

  See also: calumet of peace  

  • 1665  (1885)  When we weare together, an old man rises & throws our calumet att our feet. . . .
  • 1743  (1949)  . . . this Callimut (alias wus ka che) is one of their Idols, few being admitted in a meeting but those that has a Lawfull right and title to a callimut.
  • 1890  The calumet, or pipe of peace, ornamented with eagle's quills, is a sacred pipe, and never allowed to be used on any other occasion than that of peace-making.
  • 1957  . . . the calumet used at the powwow is supposed to have been sucked by Sitting Bull himself.