Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Powpow \Pow"pow`\, n.
   1. A priest, or conjurer, among the North American Indians.

            Be it sagamore, sachem, or powwow.    --Longfellow.

   2. Conjuration attended with great noise and confusion, and
      often with feasting, dancing, etc., performed by Indians
      for the cure of diseases, to procure success in hunting or
      in war, and for other purposes.

   3. Hence: Any assembly characterized by noise and confusion;
      a noisy frolic or gathering. [Colloq. U. S.]