WAMPUM, noun Shells or strings of shells, used by the American Indians as money or a medium of commerce. These strings of shells when united, form a broad belt, which is worn as an ornament or girdle. It is sometimes called wampumpeague, and wompeague, or wampampeague, of which wampum seems to be a contraction.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI