coup stick

American  

[koo] / ku /

noun

1. a stick with which some North American Indian warriors sought to touch their enemies in battle as a sign of courage.

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Etymology

Origin of coup stick

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Chief Plenty Coups, the leader of Crow Nation who was invited to attend the ceremony, laid a war bonnet and a rod known as a coup stick across the coffin.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2021

His study of the birds enables him to find the eerie of the eagle, for a victory means that he may add an eagle feather to his war bonnet or coup stick.

From The Vanishing Race by Dixon, Joseph Kossuth

This colour scheme goes on through the entire Indian wardrobe to pipe sack, coup stick and moccasins.

From The Vanishing Race by Dixon, Joseph Kossuth

When the council had assembled Chief Plenty Coups laid his coup stick and pipe sack on the ground, and in the sign language gave welcome to the chiefs from many lands.

From The Vanishing Race by Dixon, Joseph Kossuth

Their eagle feathers fluttered from war-bonnet and coup stick, encarnadined by the sun's red rays.

From The Vanishing Race by Dixon, Joseph Kossuth