DCHP-3

warpath†

Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a route followed by Indian war parties.

Quotations

1858
The following are celebrated "war-paths," where hunting is generally disallowed. . . .
2an.

on the warpath. of Indians, on an expedition of war.

Quotations

1861
A number of the Sioux have started on the war-path, to avenge the recent slaughter of their brethren at St. Joseph.
1953
In all, about 1,000 Indians and Métis were on the warpath, although many additional thousands might have been drawn into the quarrel, which is what terrified people in isolated prairie homesteads.
2bn.

on the warpath. Figurative uses.

Quotations

1954
The famous mosquitoes of South Nahanni were starting to get on the warpath so I went out to fix my bed and stake out my mosquito net.
1955
I knew that Letcher and Joe were more or less on a periodic grievance match against each other, but it had never occurred to me that the boys would pick this time to go on the warpath.
3n.

take the warpath, Figurative use.

Quotations

1923
Evidently she [a ship] lost no time in taking the war-path.