rākau

Maori

Etymology

From Proto-Polynesian *raqakau (compare Hawaiian lāʻau), from Proto-Oceanic *raqan kayu, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *daqan kahiw (compare Malay dahan kayu).

Noun

rākau

  1. A weapon; a club or bat.
  2. A tree, stick, spar, or mast.
    He wahine tāroaroa i raro i te rākau rā.
    There is a tall woman under that tree.
  3. Wood or timber.

References
  • Tregear, Edward (1891) Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary, Wellington, New Zealand: Lyon and Blair, pages 387-8
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