tihore

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

n.


Maori name for a species of NewZealand flax. Name used specially in the North Island for thebest variety of Phormium (q.v.).

1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. ii.p. 286:

«The species of Phormium tenax thus cultivated isthe tihore, literally the `skinning' flax. This name describesthe ease with which it submits to the scraping process.»