potlatch > define
noun
- A ceremonial feast held by some Indians of the northwestern coast of North America (as in celebrating a marriage or a new accession) in which the host gives gifts to tribesmen and others to display his superior wealth (sometimes, formerly, to his own impoverishment. ).
by WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
- (n.) Among the Kwakiutl, Chimmesyan, and other Indians of the northwestern coast of North America, a ceremonial distribution by a man of gifts to his own and neighboring tribesmen, often, formerly, to his own impoverishment. Feasting, dancing, and public ceremonies accompany it.
- (n.) Hence, a feast given to a large number of persons, often accompanied by gifts.
by Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary