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View synonyms for war dance

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of war dance1

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15
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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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