North American Plains Indian people living mainly in Oklahoma, U.S. Their language belongs to the Caddoan language stock, and their name is derived from the Caddoan word meaning "horn," a reference to their unique hairstyle. They once lived along the Platte River in what is now Nebraska. The Pawnee tribe comprised four relatively independent bands, each divided into villages. They lived in large, dome-shaped, earth-covered lodges but used tepees on buffalo hunts. Women raised corn, squash, and beans, and they harvested a grain similar to wild rice. Chiefs, priests, and shamans constituted the dominant class. Pawnee religion centred on a variety of deities, including the supreme being Tirawa, the sun god, and morning and evening stars. The Pawnee had military societies, and many Pawnee served as scouts for the U.S. armies of the frontier. Pawnee lands were ceded to the U.S. in the mid-19th century, and most Pawnee were relocated to a reservation in Oklahoma. They number about 2,500
a member of the Pawnee nation formerly living in Nebraska and Kansas but now largely in Oklahoma
One or two whom a pledge is delivered as security; one who takes anything in pawn
(paw NEE) American Indian tribe living in prairie earth lodges similar to those of the Mandan Indians At the time of Lewis and Clark, they were situated in the present-day state of Nebraska They farmed and hunted buffalo for their livelihood
the Caddoan language spoken by the Pawnee people a member of the Pawnee nation formerly living in Nebraska and Kansas but now largely in Oklahoma