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Webster 1913 Edition

Calumet

Cal′u-met

,
Noun.
[F.
calumet
, fr. L.
calamus
reed. See
Halm
, and cf.
Shawm
.]
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.
☞ 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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Calumet

CALUMET

,
Noun.
Among the aboriginals of America, a pipe, used for smoking tobacco, whose bowl is usually of soft red marble, and the tube a long reed, ornamented with feathers. The calumet is used as a symbol or instrument of peace and war. To accept the calumet, is to agree to the terms of peace, and to refuse it, is to reject them. The calumet of peace is used to seal or ratify contracts and alliances, to receive strangers kindly, and to travel with safety. The calumet of war, differently made, is used to proclaim war.

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