The Maoris of the South Island
Glossary of Maori Words
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Glossary of Maori Words
Atua: | A supernatural influence, a god, a demon. |
E noho: | Sit down, or remain there; good-bye by a person departing. |
Haka: | A dance. |
Hapu: | Clan, section of a clan. |
Hongi: | To salute by touching noses. |
Hui: | Coming together of a tribe or tribes; the occasion for discussing matters, marked by hospitality. |
Kaika: | Place of abode. |
Kapai: | Good. |
Korero: | Discussion. |
Kuri: | Dog. |
Mana: | Influence, power, prestige. |
Makutu: | To bewitch, to cast a spell. |
Marae: | A wide open space in a village, distinguished guests are received in the “Marae.” |
Mere: | A short stone weapon. |
Mokihi: | Raft of flax sticks and reeds. |
Muru: | Plunder, confiscation, “clean the slate.” |
Noa: | Free from tapu; whakanoa is the act of removing the tapu. |
Nui: | Large, great. |
Pa: | A fortified place. |
Pakeha: | A stranger, a foreigner. |
Piu piu: | A garment of kilt form, made of twisted flax. |
Puka puka: | Book. |
Rangatira: | A chief. |
Rangi: | The sky, the heavens. |
Raupo: | Bulrushes. |
Tapu: | Under restriction, sacred. |
Taniwha: | A fabulous monster. |
Tangi: | To weep—a lament, to mourn. |
Tangi-wai: | Tear drop. |
Tiki: | A greenstone figure, or of carved wood. |
Taua: | A war party. |
Tohunga: | Priest or wizard. |
Utu | Ransom, compensation. |
Wahine: | A woman, in particular a married woman; hine is a girl. |
Waiata tangi: | A song of lamentation. |
Whare: | A house. |
Whare karakia: | A house of worship. |
Waipiro: | Stinking or rotten water; a term for spirituous liquors. |