DCHP-3

war-whoop†

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a blood-curdling yell uttered by Indians engaged in or about to engage in battle.

Quotations

1768-82
The Savages immediately rushed from their ambush, and setting up the war-hoop, fell upon the enemy, scalped seven of them, and took five prisoners, whom we painted like ourselves.
1805
The war-whoop's echo and the slave's sad throes / are hush'd in music, pleasure, and repose.
1929
. . . the war-whoop . . . is produced by yelling in falsetto, and at the same time rapidly slapping the open mouth with the palm of the hand.
2n.

Figurative use.

Quotations

1958
The occasional war whoop entered the fray, but this came . . . from assorted visiting warlike tribesmen from Scotland, Newfoundland and the Prairie Provinces.