6. a state of opposition or contest; an act of opposition; an inimical
contest, act, or action; enmity; hostility. "Raised impious war in
heaven." Milton.
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his
heart.
Ps. lv. 21.
Civil war, a war between different sections or parties of the same
country or nation. — Holy war. See under Holy. — Man of war. (Naut.)
See in the Vocabulary. — Public war, a war between independent
sovereign states. — War cry, a cry or signal used in war; as, the
Indian war cry. — War dance, a dance among savages preliminary to going
to war. Among the North American Indians, it is begun by some
distinguished chief, and whoever joins in it thereby enlists as one of
the party engaged in a warlike excursion. Schoolcraft. — War field, a
field of war or battle. — War horse, a horse used in war; the horse of
a cavalry soldier; especially, a strong, powerful, spirited horse for
military service; a charger. — War paint, paint put on the face and
other parts of the body by savages, as a token of going to war. "Wash
the war paint from your faces." Longfellow. — War song, a song of or
pertaining to war; especially, among the American Indians, a song at
the war dance, full of incitements to military ardor. — War whoop, a
war cry, especially that uttered by the American Indians.
War, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Warred (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Warring.] 1. To
make war; to invade or attack a state or nation with force of arms; to
carry on hostilities; to be in a state by violence.
Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel,
went up toward Jerusalem to war against it.
Isa. vii. 1.
Why should I war without the walls of Troy?
Shak.
Our countrymen were warring on that day!
Byron.
2. To contend; to strive violently; to fight. "Lusts which war against
the soul." 1 Pet. ii. 11.