Etymology From an Eastern Algonquian language, probably Massachusett pauwau (“he uses divination; he practices magic or sorcery”) or Narragansett powwáw (“sorcerer, shaman”), ultimately from Proto-Algonquian *pawe·wa (“one who dreams”).
While the powwow was going on the big woman came back again. She was consider'ble rumpled and scratched up, but there was fire in her eye.1913, Joseph C[rosby] Lincoln, chapter XII, in Mr. Pratt’s Patients, New York, N.Y.; London: D[aniel] Appleton and Company, →OCLC:
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Canada, US A large gathering during which Indigenous songs and dances are showcased for an audience, essentially a recital or concert. Often also doubles as a fundraiser, or can be held in conjunction with a non-indigenous fair or exhibition in order to attract a large crowd, as at the Calgary Stampede and K-Days.
On the way out, Octavio handed me a flyer for the powwow that listed the prize money in each dance category.2018, Tommy Orange, There There, Harvill Secker, page 24:
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A tradition of folk magic practiced by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
powwow
verb
Etymology From an Eastern Algonquian language, probably Massachusett pauwau (“he uses divination; he practices magic or sorcery”) or Narragansett powwáw (“sorcerer, shaman”), ultimately from Proto-Algonquian *pawe·wa (“one who dreams”).
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Of Native Americans To hold a meeting; to gather together in council.
[The] Indians saw everything that happened and powwowed all night, needing more than anything else the presence of Tecumseh. The most aggressive element was the Winnebagos, who insisted on attacking.2005, Glen Tucker, Tecumseh: A Vision of Glory, page 224:
2
To conduct a ritual in which magic is used.
Such as the Pennsylvania Dutch Of Native Americans and by extension other groups
Maybe no one— except possibly Leah— powwowed anymore.2007, David W. Kriebel, Powwowing Among the Pennsylvania Dutch, page 10: