* A rallying cry: To inspire and motivate warriors during battle.
* A signal: To indicate the start of an attack or a specific maneuver.
* A symbol of unity and identity: To distinguish one group of warriors from another.
* A psychological weapon: To intimidate the enemy.
The specific meaning and usage of a "sluagh-ghairm" could vary depending on the context and the tribe or clan using it.
For example, the "Sluagh-ghairm" of the Irish warrior hero, Cú Chulainn, was said to be so terrifying that it could make the earth tremble.
Today, the term "sluagh-ghairm" is still used in Irish literature and culture to refer to a war cry or a rallying cry.