patiki

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


the Maori name for the Flounder (q.v.). The accent is on the firstsyllable of the word.

1820. `Grammar and Vocabulary of the Language of New Zealand'(Church Missionary Society), p. 190:

«Patiki, s. a fish so called.»

1844. F. Tuckett, `Diary,' May 31:

«A fine place for spearing soles or patike(the best of fish).»

1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 412:

«Patiki, common name for the sole and flat-fish; the latteris found in rivers, but decreases in size as it retires fromthe sea.»

1879. Captain Mair, `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,'vol. xii. art. xlvi. p. 316:

«Large patiki, flat-fish, are occasionally speared up theriver.»