Maori word for a dance.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' p. 198:
«A haka was now performed by about one hundred and fifty menand women. They seated themselves in ranks in one of thecourtyards of the pa, stripped to the waist. An oldchieftainess, who moved along the ranks with regular steps,brandishing an ornamental spear in time to her movements, nowrecited the first verse of a song in a monotonous, dirge-likemeasure. This was joined in by the others, who also kept timeby quivering their hands and arms, nodding their heads andbending their bodies in accordance with each emphasis andpause.»
1852. G. C. Mundy, `Our Antipodes,' c. xvi. p. 409 (3rd ed.1855):
«I witnessed a national spectacle which was new to me – – a sortof incantation performed by women alone – – the haka, I think itis called.»
1872. A.Domett, `Ranolf,' XV. c. vi. p. 242:
«The haka – dances, where she shone supreme.»
1873. `Appendix to Journal of House of Representatives,' G. I,B., p. 8:
«Thursday was passed by them [the natives] in feasting andhakas.»
1883. F. S. Renwick, `Betrayed,' p. 34:
«A rushing throng in the furious haka share.»
1896. `Otago Witness,' Jan. 23, p. 50, col. 5:
«He also received a visit from three or four hostile natives,who, with blood-curdling yells, duly performed the indispensablehaka.»