marae

/ məˈraɪ /

noun

1. a traditional Māori tribal meeting place, originally one in the open air, now frequently a purpose-built building
2. (in Polynesia) an open-air place of worship

Word History and Origins

Origin of marae¹

Māori

Example Sentences

It seemed, from its size and peculiar structure, to be a deserted marae, or native temple.

From Project Gutenberg

A buzzing hoot accompanied its passage; it flew direct out of one marae, and direct for another down the mountain-side.

From Project Gutenberg

If they were people of rank it was the custom that the ceremonies of the occasion pass off in the marae.

From Project Gutenberg

The people sat there on the marae, silently watching the burning of the dead.

From Project Gutenberg

They selected a body, and dragged it off to the cooking-place at the rear of the marae.

From Project Gutenberg