matai
- noun
- Australian
:
matai
- The matai is a large tree that grows abundantly in the forests of New Zealand.
- matai title
Examples
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Carpenters often choose matai wood for its durability and attractive grain.
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Planting a matai in your garden can provide a beautiful focal point and shade.
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"No, the invaders were called the Orraci Matai," she said.
Fiction book (1997) -
Government toadies tattled on particular villages for playing cricket on the wrong day, and the administration imposed fines or jailed matai.
Academic text (1991) -
The political significance of fine mats was intimately linked to the differentiation between ali'i "chiefs" and tulafale "talking chiefs/orators" in the Samoan matai title system.
Academic text (1991) -
At least some Samoans today—and they are likely to be matai title holders, the majority of whom are older men (n8)—are vigorously concerned with defining and defending the rules.
Academic text (1991) -
The New Zealand administration finally provoked a Samoan uprising with a series of onerous ordinances, some picayune, others usurping the very pule "authority" of the family over matai titles.
Academic text (1991)
Synonyms
A New Zealand native evergreen tree with hard wood used for floors and furniture
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word matai comes from the Māori name for a native New Zealand evergreen tree, so think of matai as the tall tree known for its strong, fine wood used in floors and furniture.
