war bonnet

noun

1. an American Indian headdress consisting of a headband with a tail of ornamental feathers.

war bonnet

noun

1. a headband with trailing feathers, worn by certain North American Indian warriors as a headdress

Word History and Origins

Origin of war bonnet¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Having arranged his gun, shield and war-bonnet over certain medicine-arrows the sacred bat-skin was placed on top.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the warriors it had long been understood that he who takes Hootay's scalp may wear a war-bonnet.

From Project Gutenberg

In that quick glance he saw that there were at least six of them, led by a warrior wearing an ample war bonnet.

From Project Gutenberg

There were but two feathers in his simple war bonnet, which was partly hidden by his blue-and-white blanket.

From Project Gutenberg

Then slowly he removed his war bonnet, put aside his staff, and began to untie the thongs of his doeskin shirt.

From Project Gutenberg