from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Wigwam \Wig"wam\, n. [From the Algonquin or Massachusetts Indian
word w[=e]k, "his house," or "dwelling place;" with
possessive and locative affixes, w[=e]-kou-om-ut, "in his (or
their) house," contracted by the English to weekwam, and
wigwam.]
An Indian cabin or hut, usually of a conical form, and made
of a framework of poles covered with hides, bark, or mats; --
called also {tepee}. [Sometimes written also {weekwam}.]
[1913 Webster]
Very spacious was the wigwam,
Made of deerskin dressed and whitened,
With the gods of the Dacotahs
Drawn and painted on its curtains. --Longfellow.
[1913 Webster]
Note: "The wigwam, or Indian house, of a circular or oval
shape, was made of bark or mats laid over a framework
of branches of trees stuck in the ground in such a
manner as to converge at the top, where was a central
aperture for the escape of smoke from the fire beneath.
The better sort had also a lining of mats. For entrance
and egress, two low openings were left on opposite
sides, one or the other of which was closed with bark
or mats, according to the direction of the wind."
--Palfrey.
[1913 Webster]