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#195477 01/03/11 03:26 AM
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stranger
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stranger
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Do you have any idea of a word for giving one's belongings rather than purchasing a gift? I'm not looking for "regift," and the word may involve traditional giving (but not potlatch). Thanks in advance.

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Carpal Tunnel
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WELCOME APPLE....

Potlatch was my word, but you knew that.


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I think the word you're looking for is gift. Then you modify it with adjectives of your choice.

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...yes, and/or donation?


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Welcome, ab. All I can think of is 'donating', and I have the feeling that's not what you're looking for. As far as I know, there isn't a word for giving something you already have in place of buying something new; other than unflattering adjectival phrases, I mean. But I reckon it's fairly common, maybe especially among families, to do this kind of exchange.

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...and to piggyback on Jackie, why not Potlatch?
Considering its history among the Native Americans it
is one of the more beautiful facets of some tribes' culture.


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Interesting how comments come and go.


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I've always thought potlatch was just another word for potluck: a meal where each participant/family brings a dish to share.

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Nope. A fortunate person, usually warrior and family,
give away all they have to others. As was mentioned
here and then deleted, many times to other members of
one's clan. One would be cared for and receive things
back in return. But the poor, widows, etc. would also
receive things. No chance they could give back.


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Potlatch is an act of braggadocio. I've got so much stuff I can just throw it away. In fact, during a potlatch stuff was not only given away to others but just destroyed. This doesn't really fit well with the idea of giving something that has been lying around the house as a present, an act which seems kind of cheap unless it is part of some special tradition among aware parties.

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