/pow"wow'/ , n.
1. (among North American Indians) a ceremony, esp. one accompanied by magic, feasting, and dancing, performed for the cure of disease, success in a hunt, etc.
2. a council or conference of or with Indians.
3. (among North American Indians) a priest or shaman.
4. Informal. any conference or meeting.
v.i.
5. to hold a powwow.
6. Informal. to confer.
[ 1615-25, Amer.; powwaw Indian priest (and the identical word in Massachusett)
pawe·wa he dreams (used as a derived agent n. meaning "he who dreams", i.e., one who derives his power from visions) ]