sword dance

noun

1. any of various dances, usually performed by men, in which swords are ceremonially flourished or are laid on the ground and danced around.

sword dance

noun

1. a dance in which the performers dance nimbly over swords on the ground or brandish them in the air

Other Word Forms

• sword dancer noun
• sword dancing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sword dance¹

First recorded in 1595–1605