cargo cult

/ˌkɑrgoʊ kəlt/

Definitions of cargo cult

1. noun

   (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)
   type of:

   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
2. noun

   a religious cult that anticipates a time of joy, serenity, and justice when salvation comes
   type of:

   cult, cultus, religious cult

   a system of religious beliefs and rituals