\Cal"u*met\, n. [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.
Note: 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.