powwow

Where does the word "powwow" come from? It comes from Narragansett powwaw, and was adopted directly into English (1620s).

Powwow’s story begins in Narragansett: powwaw meant “a spiritual leader or healer.” Originally a spiritual leader or healer, later the gathering they presided over. It reached English by 1620s as powwow. Broadened to mean any ceremonial gathering, and later informally any meeting. Today, powwow means a Native American ceremonial gathering, or informally, any meeting.

1. Stage 1 · Narragansett · 1600s powwaw "a spiritual leader or healer", originally a spiritual leader or healer, later the gathering they presided over.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1620s powwow "a ceremonial gathering, or informally any meeting", broadened to mean any ceremonial gathering, and later informally any meeting.