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.
1665  (1885)  It was not in common pipes, but in pipes of peace and of the warrs, that they pull out very seldom, when there is occasion for heaven and earth.
1824  (1931)  They then smoke a Pipe of Peace and part with professions of Friendship but their treaties are no sooner ratified than broken as the moment the conference is over and we turn our backs they are ready to pillage each others Women and Horses and cut each others throats.
1960  There was the smell of burning sweet grass; and the pipe of peace was offered to dancers and guests alike.