CALUMET
calumet, peace pipe, pipe of peace
(noun) a highly decorated ceremonial pipe of Amerindians; smoked on ceremonial occasions (especially as a token of peace)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
calumet (plural calumets)
A clay tobacco-pipe used by American Indians, especially as a symbol of truce or peace.
Synonyms
• peace pipe
• pipe of peace
Source: Wiktionary
Cal"u*met, n. Etym: [F. calumet, fr. L. calamus reed. See Halm, and
cf. Shawm.]
Definition: A kind of pipe, used by the North American Indians for smoking
tobacco. The bowl is usually made of soft red stone, and the tube is
a long reed often ornamented with feathers.
Smoked the calumet, the Peace pipe, As a signal to the nations.
Lowgfellow.
Note: The calumet is used as a symbol of peace. To accept the calumet
is to agree to terms of peace, and to refuse it is to reject them.
The calumet of peace is used to seal or ratify contracts and
alliances, and as an evidence to strangers that they are welcome.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition