how†

[cf. Siouan hâo]

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

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interj.

in Indian parlance, an expression used for several purposes, as when greeting someone, thanking him, registering approval, etc.

Quotations

1886

A chorus of "How! How! How!" followed every appeal the medicine man made to the circle of half-naked and battle-scarred warriors.

1913

The tea and tobacco which La Pierre and I measured out to them was received with many a "How How" of thanks.

1956

An ill-founded legend insists that Indians are inarticulate, content to make "How!" a conversation.

1962

The Blackfoot Indians usually greet a white man with "How, How!" sometimes, "How wa-pe," perhaps an imitation of the English "How do you do?"