WIGWAM

wigwam

(noun) a Native American lodge frequently having an oval shape and covered with bark or hides

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

wigwam (plural wigwams)

A dwelling having an arched framework overlaid with bark, hides, or mats, used by Native Americans in the northeastern United States.

(possibly dated) Any more or less similar dwelling used by indigenous people in other parts of the world.

Verb

wigwam (third-person singular simple present wigwams, present participle wigwamming, simple past and past participle wigwammed)

(transitive) To dry (flax or straw) by standing it outside in the shape of a wigwam.

Source: Wiktionary

Wig"wam, n. Etym: [From the Algonquin or Massachusetts Indian word wek, "his house," or "dwelling place;" with possessive and locative affixes, we-kou-om-ut, "in his (or their) house," contracted by the English to weekwam, and wigwam.]

Definition: An Indian cabin or hut, usually of a conical form, and made of a framework of poles covered with hides, bark, or mats; -- called also tepee. [Sometimes written also weekwam.] Very spacious was the wigwam, Made of deerskin dressed and whitened, With the gods of the Dacotahs Drawn and painted on its curtains. Longfellow.

Note: "The wigwam, or Indian house, of a circular or oval shape, was made of bark or mats laid over a framework of branches of trees stuck in the ground in such a manner as to converge at the top, where was a central aperture for the escape of smoke from the fire beneath. The better sort had also a lining of mats. For entrance and egress, two low openings were left on opposite sides, one or the other of which was closed with bark or mats, according to the direction of the wind." Palfrey.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition