animal dance

noun

: a stylized dance (as among American Indians) imitating or suggestive of the movements of an animal or bird (as a bear or owl) often marked by the use of masks

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of animal dance was in 1879

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Dictionary Entries Near animal dance

Cite this Entry

“Animal dance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal%20dance. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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