noun
or hoot·nan·ny also hoo·ta·nan·ny ˈhüt ə nˌanē, ˈhütˌna-, ̷ ̷( ̷ ̷)ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷
( -es )
Etymology: origin unknown
1.
a. chiefly dialect : thing , gadget ; usually : a device or piece of mechanical equipment — used especially when the standard name is unknown
the hootenanny that goes on top of the carburetor
b. usually hootnanny : a device for holding a crosscut saw in position while sawing a log from the under side
2. usually hootenanny : a gathering at which folksingers entertain often with the audience joining in