a Maori word for a chief'swalking-staff, a sign of office, sometimes used in fighting,like a quarterstaff.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i.p. 139:
«The men are placed at equal intervals along either side topaddle, and they keep excellent stroke to the song of twoleaders, who stand up and recite short alternate sentences,giving the time with the taiaha, or long wooden spear. Thetaiaha is rather a long-handled club than a spear. It isgenerally made of manuka, a very hard, dark, close-grainedand heavy wood. The taiaha is about six feet long, etc.»
1851. Mrs. Wilson, `New Zealand,' p. 46:
«The taiaha is rather a long-handled club than a spear.»
1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 299:
«A taiaha, or chiefs staff.»
1881. J. L. Campbell, `Poenamo,' p. 80:
«In his right hand he brandished a taiaha, a six-foot Maoribroadsword of hard wood, with its pendulous plume of feathershanging from the hilt.»
1889. Major Wilson and Edward Tregear, `On the Korotangi,'`Transactions of New Zealand Institute,' vol. xxii. art. lxii.p. 505:
«Many famous tribal heirlooms are hidden and lost to posterity.The Rev. Mr. Buller mentions a famous taiaha, of great mana, ashaving been buried and lost in this way, lest it should fallinto the power of opposing tribes, and cause disaster to theoriginal owner.»