n.
Pronunciation: ' pät- ˌ lach
Function: noun
Etymology: Chinook Jargon patla č , from Nootka p ' a ƛ p ' a č
Date: circa 1861
1 : a ceremonial feast of the American Indians of the northwest coast marked by the host's lavish distribution of gifts or sometimes destruction of property to demonstrate wealth and generosity with the expectation of eventual reciprocation
2 Northwest : a social event or celebration