peace-pipe

A Native American chief passes the peace-pipe to another elder.

Definition

Noun: - A calumet; a ceremonial pipe smoked by Native American peoples as a symbol of peace, especially to seal agreements or treaties.

Usage Examples

• (They used the ceremonial pipe to symbolize their agreement.)
• (The pipe was shared as a ritual of goodwill.)
• (He presented the pipe to show he desired peace.)

Advanced Usage

• "to smoke the peace-pipe": to make peace or reconcile after a disagreement.
  • After years of rivalry, the two companies finally smoked the peace-pipe. (They settled their differences and agreed to cooperate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Peace pipe (n): alternative spelling; same meaning.
  • The peace pipe was decorated with feathers and beads. (The ceremonial pipe.)

Synonyms

• Calumet: a ceremonial pipe used by Native Americans as a symbol of peace.
• Pipe of peace: another term for a peace-pipe.

Related Idioms

• Bury the hatchet: to make peace; to end a quarrel.
  • They decided to bury the hatchet and smoked the peace-pipe. (They reconciled and sealed it with the ritual.)

Cultural Note

• The peace-pipe is a significant artifact in many Native American cultures, often associated with the Plains tribes. It is used in ceremonies to invoke the Great Spirit and to affirm alliances or treaties. The term has entered general English as a metaphor for reconciliation.