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.

   Synonym: kau

See also

• kau

References

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