Dictionary.net

A tribe of Massachusetts Indians who at first showed great friendliness toward the whites. In 1621 they entered into an amicable compact with the Plymouth settlers, and continued in peaceable trade relations with them. Later Massasoit, the chief of the tribe, was on terms of friendship with Roger Williams. They, however, resisted all attempts to convert them to Christianity. Their last chief, Philip, resided at Mount Hope, and under him a disastrous war was waged with the whites, which in 1676 resulted in the overthrow of the tribe. Their power was broken, and they were rapidly dispersed.