Chautauqua - Definition and Overview

Chautauqua is an Iroquois word, meaning either "two moccasins tied together" or "jumping fish".

Also, a chautauqua is a travelling adult education exhibit featuring lectures, plays, and musical performances. Chautauquas flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The idea was originated by the Chautauqua Institution, which lends its name to the format, but was soon copied by other groups.

A further definition is found in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig, whereby the author is a one-man Chautauqua, mostly introspective, but when given the opportunity presenting his ideas to those around him.

See also:

• Chautauqua, Kansas -- A city.
• Chautauqua, New York -- A town.
• Chautauqua County, Kansas -- A county.
• Chautauqua County, New York -- A county.
• Chautauqua Lake -- A lake in Chautauqua County in Western New York and the source of other places with this name.

• Chautauqua -- A hamlet in the Town of Chautauqua, New York.
• Chautauqua River -- A river in Chautauqua County, New York