war dance

noun

1. a dance preliminary to going into battle or in celebration of a victory, as formerly among American Indians.

war dance

noun

1. a ceremonial dance performed before going to battle or after victory, esp by certain North American Indian peoples
2. a dance representing warlike action

Word History and Origins

Origin of war dance¹

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15

Example Sentences

An Indian chief, excelling all his tribe at a war-dance, could not have outdone the grotesque movements of the colonel.

From Project Gutenberg

Aunt Maria guessed marriage, and Captain Glover guessed a war-dance; but they had no argument, for the skipper gave in.

From Project Gutenberg

In a few moments the entire company joined in the wild antics of the war dance.

From Project Gutenberg

They surrounded them, the victor and the vanquished, and danced a war-dance, singing impromptu words.

From Project Gutenberg

The savage war dance is a dramatic representation of battle and as such serves to rouse and reawaken the warlike spirit.

From Project Gutenberg