calumet

Etymology

From a Norman variant of Old French chalumeau (imported to Canada with Norman colonists), from Latin calamellus, diminutive of calamus (“reed”), from Ancient Greek κάλαμος (kálamos).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkæljʊmɛt/

Noun

calumet (plural calumets)

1. A clay tobacco-pipe used by American Indians, especially as a symbol of truce or peace.
   • 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses:

     THE CALUMET OF PEACE. He offered a cigarette to the professor and took one himself.

   • 2010, William Ingraham Kip, The Early Jesuit Missions in North America‎, page 283:

     When the chief has directed them to approach, they advance; those who have the calumets, chant and dance with much agility, now turning around each other, and now presenting themselves in front, but always with violent movements and extraordinary contortions.