I. noun
also pot·lach ˈpätˌlach
( -es )
Etymology: Chinook Jargon, from Nootka patshatl giving, gift
1. : a ceremonial feast or festival of the Indians of the northwest coast given for the display of wealth to validate or advance individual tribal position or social status and marked by the host's lavish destruction of personal property and an ostentatious distribution of gifts that entails elaborate reciprocation
2. Northwest : a social event or celebration : party , get-together
II. transitive verb
1. : to hold or give a potlatch for (as a tribe or group)
a clan … being potlatched by a neighboring clan — F.C.Hibben
2. : to give (as a gift) especially with the expectancy of reciprocation
told her to make a start by getting friendly with her … uncle, even if she has to potlatch a little stuff to him off the shelves — N.C.McDonald
intransitive verb
: to hold or give a potlatch