I. ˈpät-ˌlach noun
Etymology: Chinook Jargon patlač, from Nootka p̓aƛp̓ač
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
II. verb
Date: 1898
transitive verb
1. : to give (as a gift) especially with the expectation of a gift in return
2. : to hold or give a potlatch for (as a tribe or group)
intransitive verb
: to hold or give a potlatch