Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WHOOP, n. [hoop; This is the same as hoop, but aspirated; Goth. wopyan, to whoop, to call; Sax. hweopan, to weep, and to whip. The sense is to drive out the voice.]

1. A shout of pursuit. – Addison.
2. A shout of war; a particular cry of troops when they rush to the attack. The Indians of America are remarkable for their war whoop.
3. The bird called hoopoe or upupa.