an early variant of Kauri (q.v.), with other spellings.
1889. T. Kirk, `Forest Flora of New Zealand,' p. 143:
«The native name `Kauri' is the only common name in generaluse. When the timber was first introduced into Britain it wastermed `cowrie' or `kowdie-pine'; but the name speedily fellinto disuse, although it still appears as the common name insome horticultural works.»