rāhui
Maori edit
Etymology 1 edit
From Proto-Eastern Polynesian *rafui, from a suffixed form of Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *lafu (“prohibit”).
Noun edit
rāhui
- restriction of access to a place (as a form of taboo)
Usage notes edit
Traditionally, a rāhui was placed on an area, resource or stretch of water as a conservation measure or as a means of social and political control for a variety of reasons which can be grouped into three main categories: pollution by tapu, conservation and politics. Death pollutes land, water and people through tapu. A rāhui is a device for separating people from tapu things. After an agreed lapse of time, the rāhui is lifted. A rāhui is marked by a visible sign, such as the erection of a pou rāhui, a post. It is initiated by someone of rank and placed and lifted with appropriate karakia by a tohunga.[1]
Descendants edit
- → English: rahui
Verb edit
rāhui
- (stative) be reserved, be restricted
Derived terms edit
Etymology 2 edit
From a suffixed form of Proto-Polynesian *lafu (“group of animals or birds”).
Noun edit
rāhui