Maori word for a wise man.«Perhaps from Maori verb tohu, to think.» (Tregear's`Polynesian Dictionary.') Tohu, a sign or omen;hence Tohunga, a dealer in omens, an augur.
1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf and Amohia,' p. 102:
«But he whose grief was most sincere
The news of that unwonted death to hear,
Was Kangapo, the Tohunga – – a Priest
And fell Magician famous far and near.»
1873. `Appendix to Journals of House of Representatives,'G. 1, B. p. 9:
«I am a tohunga who can save the country if you will follow myadvice.»
1878. F. E. Maning, `Heke's War, told by an Old Chief,'`New Zealand Reader,' p. 153:
«Amongst these soldiers there was not one tohunga – – not a man atall experienced in omens – – or they must have had some warningthat danger and defeat were near.»
1893. `Otago Witness,' Dec. 21, p. 10, col. 2:
«She would consult a tohunga. The man she selected – – one of the oldest and most sacred of the Maori priests,prophet, medicine-man, lawyer and judge.»