Definition of "peyote" [peyote]

• A spineless, dome-shaped cactus (Lophophora williamsii) native to Mexico and the southwest United States, having buttonlike tubercles that are chewed fresh or dry as a narcotic drug by certain Native American peoples. Also called mescal. (noun)
• See mescal button. (noun)
• See mescaline. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "This moment of the sharing of the peyote is the fulfillment of the highest goals in Huichol religious life."
• "Employment Division v. Smith concerned a practitioner of a native American religion where the (illegal) use of peyote is a key ritual."
• "Katuza then produced a large peyote bud from his pouch, which he treated with great respect, explaining that the peyote is like a god to the Huichol."