Likely from an infixed form of a root that also gave rise to modern bêu (“to raise, to expose”).
nêu • (標, 𫼩)
- to raise (a question, suggestion, etc.); to bring up; to set
(classifier cây) nêu • (標, 𪲍)
- a long bamboo pole traditionally erected during the Vietnamese lunar new year (Tết), adorned with cloth and other decorations to ward off evil spirits