manaia

/ mɑːnɑːiːə /

noun

1. a common figure in Māori carving consisting of a human body and a bird-like head

Word History and Origins

Origin of manaia¹

Māori

Example Sentences

It so happened that half-way down the cliff, which is twelve fathoms high, there was a boy named Manaia.

From Project Gutenberg

When she came to the surface, I was still clasped tightly in her arms, and Manaia cried to her to swim to the canoe.

From Project Gutenberg

Then she called out to him, "Ola, Manaia," and he looked at us and laughed as he spun his small hand-net into the pool.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, once we were at a safe distance, we ran swiftly to the beach, and then onwards to where Manaia awaited us.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, whilst I steered, Manaia tied strips of tappa around Selema's leg so as to stay the bleeding.

From Project Gutenberg