Căl'ū-mĕt, n.

n. [Fr. calumet, from Lat. calamus, reed. Cf. Fr. chalumeau, O. Fr. chalemel, a little reed, from L. Lat. calamellus, diminutive of Lat. calamus.] A kind of pipe, used by the American Indians for smoking tobacco, having the bowl usually of soft red stone, 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.