cargo cult (redirected from Phantom cargo)

cargo cult

n

(Social Science / Anthropology & Ethnology) a religious movement of the SW Pacific, characterized by expectation of the return of spirits in ships or aircraft carrying goods that will provide for the needs of the followers

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	cargo cult - (Melanesia) the followers of one of several millenarian cults that believe salvation will come in the form of wealth (`cargo') brought by westerners; some ascribe divine attributes to westerners on first contact (especially to missionaries) cult - followers of an unorthodox, extremist, or false religion or sect who often live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader Melanesia - the islands in the southwestern part of Oceania
	2.	cargo cult - a religious cult that anticipates a time of joy, serenity, and justice when salvation comes cultus, religious cult, cult - a system of religious beliefs and rituals; "devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin"