war drum

English

Noun

war drum (plural war drums)

1. A drum that is beaten to rally and encourage troops or to signify that war is approaching.
   • 1912, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World […], London; New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC:

     "What is it, then?" I asked. "Drums," said Lord John, carelessly; "war drums. I have heard them before." "Yes, sir, war drums," said Gomez, the half-breed.

   • 2003, “Pet”, performed by A Perfect Circle:

     Lay your head down child
     I won't let the boogeyman come
     Counting bodies like sheep
     To the rhythm of the war drums
     Pay no mind to the rabble
     Pay no mind to the rabble
     Head down, go to sleep
     To the rhythm of the war drums

Translations

drum used in war

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 戰鼓／战鼓 (zh) (zhàngǔ)