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

In rugby union, regulations prevent opposing teams crossing the halfway line while New Zealand are performing the Maori war dance.

From BBC

Leading his masked foot soldiers in a strutting, chanting war dance through his Delmas 6 stronghold, they held their automatic weapons aloft.

From BBC

The All Blacks' pre-match ceremonial war dance is one of rugby's iconic sights.

From BBC

Movement director Jonathan Goddard is in more of a haka mood, he says, before briefly demonstrating the Maori war dance.

From Washington Post

So too will the traditional pre-match war dances of Samoa and Tonga - breathtaking moments worth the entrance fee alone.

From BBC