rāhui

See also: rahui

Maori

Etymology 1

From Proto-Eastern Polynesian *rafui, from a suffixed form of Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *lafu (“prohibit”).

Noun

rāhui

1. restriction of access to a place (as a form of taboo)

Usage notes

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.

Descendants

• → English: rahui

Verb

rāhui

1. (stative) be reserved, be restricted

Derived terms

• rāhuitanga
• rāhuitia
• rāhuingia
• tūrāhui

Etymology 2

From a suffixed form of Proto-Polynesian *lafu (“group of animals or birds”).

Noun

rāhui

1. bundle
2. flock, herd, mob, swarm, cluster