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

Derived Forms

• sword dancing, noun
• sword dancer, noun

Other Words From

• sword dancer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sword dance¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

She lifted two of the swords from the wall, crossed them on the floor and danced the sword dance of Scotland.

From Project Gutenberg

It is said that when Cruikshank was eighty-three, he executed a sword-dance before an old officer who had mentally buried him.

From Project Gutenberg

They work in pairs, each pair doing a sort of sword-dance, and making Saint Andrew's Crosses along the line.

From Project Gutenberg

Round and round that holocaust the thousands did their sword-dance, yelling as the devils yelled at Khinjan's birth.

From Project Gutenberg

I have copied the "Grand Sword Dance" in its proper place for the benefit of those who can interpret it.

From Project Gutenberg