calumet

[ kal-yuh-met, kal-yuh-met ]

noun

1. a long-stemmed, ornamented tobacco pipe used by North American Indians on ceremonial occasions, especially in token of peace.

calumet

/ ˈkæljʊˌmɛt /

noun

1. a less common name for peace pipe

Word History and Origins

Origin of calumet¹

First recorded in 1710–20; from French, originally dialect (Norman, Picard): “pipe stem,” a by-form of French chalumeau “reed flute, stem of a reed,” with suffix altered to -et; chalumeau, -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of calumet¹

C18: from Canadian French, from French (Normandy dialect): straw, from Late Latin calamellus a little reed, from Latin: calamus

Example Sentences

My father will give tobacco to his son, in order that he may smoke the calumet of friendship on his return.

From Project Gutenberg

At the end of it all, I lay in the lean-to and I heard a voice say that if someone would smoke the calumet there would be peace.

From Project Gutenberg

There they smoked the calumet with the English and exchanged presents and promises of kindness and friendship.

From Project Gutenberg

With injured dignity he asked if his followers were not to be allowed to enjoy the smoke of the calumet.

From Project Gutenberg

A small area known as "Oklahoma" or "Calumet" had perhaps the largest number.

From Project Gutenberg