ariki

[ ah-ree-kee ]

noun

, plural a·ri·ki.

1. (in Polynesia) a chief or king.

ariki

/ ˈɑːrɪkɪ /

noun

1. the first-born male or female in a notable family; chief

Word History and Origins

Origin of ariki¹

From Maori

Word History and Origins

Origin of ariki¹

Māori

Example Sentences

This misdemeanour was, in Maori eyes, fatal to his prestige as an ariki and a war-leader.

From Project Gutenberg

Next day the fern of his child is eaten by the Ariki (head chief).

From Project Gutenberg

Apopo ake ka kainga e te Ariki te roi o tana tamaiti, the fern root of the tuatanga is eaten by the father.

From Project Gutenberg

These communities collectively acknowledged the superior prestige of an Ariki, or hereditary high chief.

From Project Gutenberg

For the ariki is thoroughly aware of the gradual extinction which is coming for his race.

From Project Gutenberg