war dance

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

Origin of war dance

An Americanism dating back to 1705–15

It is a sort of cross between a cake-walk and an Indian war-dance.

The Debtor |Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
This latter deity likewise had his human counterpart, who had to lead a war-dance in his name before being sacrificed.

Lectures on the Origin and Growth of Religion as Illustrated by the Native Religions of Mexico and Peru |Albert Rville
They performed a war-dance for us, which was the wildest exhibition I have ever seen.

Following the Equator, Complete |Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
I fancy I can dance every possible step, from the pas ruse to the war-dance of the Catawbaws.

Speed the Plough |Thomas Morton

We were entertained one evening during our stay at Kapit by a war-dance of Kayans on the terrace outside the fort.

On the Equator |Harry de Windt

war dance

a ceremonial dance performed before going to battle or after victory, esp by certain North American Indian peoples

a dance representing warlike action