Maori corruption of «two-barrel.» Compare the aboriginal word Whilpra (q.v.).
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. ii.p. 109:
«He had previously despatched a messenger to me,begging me to bring some tupara, or `two-barrel.'»
1881. J. L.Campbell, `Poenamo,' p. 137:
«They were labouring under the `tupera fever' [in 1840]. Thepercussion-gun had made its appearance, and the natives werenot slow to see how much more effectual a weapon it was thanthe old flint `brown-bess.' And when they saw the tupera,double-barrelled gun, the rage at once set in to possess it.»